Author: Hazel Cagan Elbir

Relations between the United States and the Russian Federation have fluctuated since the Cold War, with tensions escalating in recent years due to the Ukraine crisis, cybersecurity issues, and regional influence struggles. As of April 2025, the dynamics between these global powers hold significant implications for Eastern Europe and Black Sea countries, such as Romania, Georgia and Moldova. These countries, whose geopolitical positions have fostered complex relationships with the Russian Federation, gained independence and embarked on distinct paths within the international system following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. However, Russia’s persistent efforts to maintain and expand its regional influence…

Georgia has recently emerged as the country in the South Caucasus where Western concerns are most visible. Under normal circumstances, after a peaceful election process, one would expect a handover ceremony and the new president to take office. However, the situation following the elections in Georgia has unfolded contrary to these general expectations. On Dec. 29, 2024, the presidential handover was expected to take place. However, former President Salome Zourabichvili declared that the elections were fraudulent, that she did not accept the results and therefore did not recognize Mikhail Kavelashvili, elected by the 300-member electoral college resulting from these elections,…