The Foreign Policy of Azerbaijan and Georgia

This issue examines the foreign policies of Azerbaijan and Georgia. Rashad Shirinov analyzes the evolution of Azerbaijan's foreign policy from an initial preference for a Western orientation towards a more balanced and independent foreign policy course resulting from the country's energy wealth and increased confidence. Kornely Kakachia analyzes the role of identity in Georgia's foreign policy as a determinant of its strong pro-Western orientation. George Khelashvili examines how Georgia's ambition to defy Russian influence through integration into Euro-Atlantic structures constitutes an uncertain gamble that makes the country heavily reliant on Western assistance.