ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the Abkhaz conflict and its aftermath. It reviews the roots and nature of the conflict itself and analyses the nature, extent, and significance of Russian involvement in the conflict. The chapter discusses international and Commonwealth of Independent States mediation and peacekeeping efforts to date and the primary challenges they face. It explores the issues raised by Russian involvement for future conflict resolution efforts in the post-Soviet region. Russian interests and proximity dictate that Russia must be part of any permanent solution to the Abkhaz conflict, and Russia has expressed a strong interest in playing a central role in mediating all conflicts on the territory of the former Soviet Union. Russia's role over time gradually included destabilizing actions, and later, demands for specific Georgian concessions using veiled threats about the consequences of Georgian non-compliance.
