Ructions In The Near Abroad

February 2007 | Risk Summary

In its battle to recoup its influence in the 'near abroad', Russia has sought a range of tangible concessions from CIS countries in exchange for phasing in energy price rises and reducing trade pressure. While this has brought results in some cases, including in Ukraine, Belarus and Armenia, Russia's strong-arm tactics risk pushing its more able or determined neighbours to step up efforts to break away from its sway. In particular, should Georgia see off the Russian challenge and emerge relatively unscathed economically in a few years' time, it could serve as an encouraging example to other regional states that

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