Georgia: China's Way Into the Caucasus

Georgia has an unenviable position in the Caucasus. Torn between Russia and the West, its people demand security and prosperity. The ruling Georgian Dream coalition, which faces general elections in October, is hard pressed to deliver on these demands, confronting reinvigorated pro-Russia political groups fueled by public skepticism toward integration with the West. And although fears of Russian aggression linger, many believe Western capitals are intentionally holding back Tbilisi's prospects of EU and NATO accession, to the country's detriment.

So Tbilisi has turned to other powers to counter Russia, mainly nearby Turkey and Iran, which have their own interest in curbing Moscow's sway. But many Georgian high officials have begun to court yet another power: China. China's rapidly growing presence in Georgia opens up the interesting possibility of a third player in the South Caucasus. Despite Georgia's best hopes, however, Russia and China could just as easily cooperate in the region rather than confront each other.