Leaving The CIS?

The authorities in Tbilisi, along with their counterparts in Kiev, are considering departing from the Russian-led Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) group. President Mikhail Saakashvili has given parliament a maximum of two months to debate the issue, which is largely motivated by ongoing disputes over trade and gas prices with Moscow. The move is typical of Saakashvili’s defiant stance towards Russian pressure, but there are many economic considerations that will require more time for consideration. The main risk that this move holds is the potential for an even stronger backlash from Moscow, with severe consequences for the Georgian economy.

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