Doctor of Russian–Caucasus Relations
Invited Lecturer
Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University
Tbilisi, Georgia
ORCID: 0000-0003-2596-9486
ana.managadze@tsu.ge

Russia’s Eastern Policy and Georgia

The history of Russia–Caucasus relations represents a long and complex process encompassing political, economic, and cultural ties. The relevance of this topic is particularly pronounced in light of recent intensifications in Russia–Georgia relations, specifically the events of August 2008 and the contemporary conflict zones in the Caucasus.

This paper is dedicated to examining certain aspects of the “Georgian question” in Russian foreign policy as an integral element of its eastern policy during the 18th and 19th centuries. The methodological foundation of the study is rooted in the fundamental principles of scholarly research: objectivity, historicism, and systematic analysis. These principles guided the combined use of general scientific and specialized historical methods in addressing the research problem.

The article analyzes the principal ideas and perspectives of key Russian thinkers, writers, publicists, and political figures concerning this issue, including R. Fadeev, N.I. Danilevsky, F.M. Dostoevsky, G. Fedotov, M.N. Pokrovsky, among others. Nearly all of these intellectuals emphasized the “Georgian factor,” seeking to understand the origins and development of Russia–Caucasus relations.

In the 1760s, one of the most significant objectives of Russian foreign policy was the recovery of the Black Sea coast and securing access for its commercial fleet to the Mediterranean Sea. The Ottoman Empire persistently opposed Russia, obstructing the implementation of these plans both in Crimea and in the Caucasus. Consequently, Georgia became the primary object of Russian strategic interest in the South Caucasus.

On 12 September 1801, Emperor Alexander I signed a manifesto incorporating Georgia into the Russian Empire. The manifesto abolished the Kingdom of Kartli-Kakheti, deprived the Bagrationi dynasty of royal authority, and transformed Georgia into a guberniya within the empire. This resolution faced resistance from the descendants of Erekle II and other opposition-minded nobles; nevertheless, Georgia ultimately became an integral part of the Russian Empire.

Through this active foreign policy, Russia established a firm foothold in the Caucasus and began addressing the “Eastern Question” in the southern direction.

 

Keywords: Russia–Caucasus Relations, Georgia, Eastern Policy