The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, and the transformation of the old security arrangement created a new geopolitical environment in the Caucasus region. In fact, the unique geographical conditions, ethnic- racial and religious diversity, the heritage of socialism in the cultural, political, economic and social structures, strategic position, competitions between regional and extra-regional powers have caused dramatic changes in the Caucasus region. The war between Russia and Georgia was seemingly over South Ossetia because of Georgia’s claim of restoring its territorial integrity and Russia’s declaration of protecting a minority group and supporting their self-determination rights. However, the authors argue that the causes of the conflict between Russia and Georgia are deeply rooted and go beyond the issue of separatism.
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