by Zoumana Coulibaly

Created on: August 12, 2008

The collapse of the Soviet Union and the emergence of the United States as the sole world power proved to more than one observers that there would be no more cold war like era. Meanwhile, the recent conflict in Abkhazia and South Ossetia tells otherwise.
The opening of NATO to former Soviet States was badly seen by Moscow. But, the talks between the United States and the Czech Republic about the installations of radar units for missile defense systems in the latter nation proved to be the implicit alarming indication to Russia that something needed to be done. There are three main reasons why the conflict in Abkhazia and South Ossetia are indications of the strong statements Moscow is trying to make to the International Community in general and the United States in particular.

1-Military Reason:
It would be naive to think that the Soviet Union was no more a military power after its collapse. Indeed, by losing most of its satellite military bases, Russia lost some of its military might but truth is they still have the nuclear power.
Moreover, unlike the United States in Iraq and Afghanistan, Russia has not been involved in any large scale military conflict on the ground in the past decade. No one needs to be a military pundit to know that military practice in real situation is a strong showing to the eyes of the non expert and the expert. Therefore, Russia's involvement in the two separatists Georgian regions has the double benefits of improving the Russian army's experience and reminding the United States in general and the Czech Republic in particular that any attempt to install missile radar units or anything comparable near its border will be prevented by all means, militarily included.

2-Economic Reasons:
Any military conflict implies an increase in defense budget and ultimately a strong overall economy is needed of any belligerent country in order to sustain such conflict. With a nominal GDP of $7 billion, Georgia does not have the resources to fight a military war against Russia. In 2006, Russia increased gas prices to Georgia in a move that many viewed as a retaliation to the closeness of diplomatic and military ties between Tbilisi and the West. The incursion of Russian troops in the recent conflict is also intended to further weakened the Georgian economy and tell other former Soviet States in general and those where Russia has high interests in particular that they will face similar retaliations should they get dangerously close to the west.

2-Symbolic Reason:
Georgia was the home town of Soviet ruler Stallin and he, as well as the Soviet Elite, liked to rest in Abkhazia. Regaining control either implicitly or explicitly would be an even stronger statement made by Moscow. It will remind many of the era when puppet governments where acting in accordance with Moscow's wishes.

In summary, by getting involved militarily in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Russia is trying to tell the United States that enough is enough. For Russia, inviting its former satellites nations to NATO is one thing that can be tolerated, but trying to install missile radar units in its backyard is a strong provocation. It was imperative for Russia to make a quick statement and it looks that they found the right pretext to express their feelings.

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