To be or not to be a state? The alignment behaviours of Abkhazia and South Ossetia with Russia

Bibliographic Data

ID22328330
AuthorsAnton Aslund (University of Otago, corresponding author)
Year2024
Volume15
Issue3
Pages19-28
Publication date2024-05-15
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAustralian and New Zealand Journal of European Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1837-2147 • E-ISSN: 1836-1803
PublisherThe University of Sydney Library (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.30722/anzjes.vol15.iss3.18241
OpenAlexW4396928239
LanguageEN
References cited6

This article presents an adaptation of Kuik's hedging theory to analyse the secessionist movements in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, both seeking independence from Georgia with Russian support. By examining their distinctive strategies, this study addresses the extent to which these regions seek to maintain their independence from Russia, as their patron state. The article argues for the need to modify hedging theory to accommodate the unique context of former Soviet actors and de facto states. The adaptation develops the concept of a "political hedge," with a focus on elite-driven nation-building as a mechanism to influence the likelihood of Russian integration. Abkhazia is identified as an illustrative case of hedging behaviour, whereas South Ossetia displays characteristics resembling but distinct from bandwagoning. This analysis contributes to refining the applicability of hedging theory within novel political environments and underscores the significance of elite-led nation-building in shaping state and national legitimacy in secessionist regions

Criminology · Political science · Computer Science · European Politics and Security · Post-Soviet Geopolitical Dynamics · Psychology · Russia and Soviet political economy

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