Introduction
Review of Chapter 6
Caspian energy and Caucasian corridors
The chapter 6 of this book is focused on energy resources especially in the Caspian basin. Similarly, the chapter is founded on the energy resources of South Caucasus as substitute energy sources for the larger European Energy Security. The author, Thomas De Waal, gives detailed information concerning the nineteenth century oil of Baku and its relevance to the European and Russian markets then. It is worth noting that the oil as a source of energy was vital in the success of wars fought in the continent and its environs during that time. This is because of its invaluable contribution to the running of related machines used during the wars. As De Waal puts it, Baku was integral in the Stalin war of 1941 against Germany where the country had to produce oil that constituted over seventy five percent of oil produced by the Soviet Union.
Still on the energy, the chapter explains how Germany made an attempt to take control over Baku during the 2nd world war. This was done all with an aim of controlling Soviet Union’s major contributor of energy in order to win the war. Despite the fact that these efforts were futile, the Soviet Union was notably shaken by the interruption of oil supply from Baku (p. 170). The revelation that Germany sought to cripple the soviet union by cutting its oil supply is not only evidence of Germany’s precision but also its effort to end the war ingeniously. Thomas De Wall further quotes Hitler’s statement that unless the Soviet Union had the Baku oil then the war was technically coming to an end (p. 170).
Further in the chapter, the author discloses a conspiracy to shut Russia out of Baku’s oil in favor of the West. This came after the 1994 signing of the controversial ‘Deal of Century’ that gave the west exclusive rights to transport the Caspian oil to its markets. This was the very first time in history that the United States of America had access to the rich Eurasian surroundings and its invaluable economic resources (p. 177). In conclusion therefore the chapter 6 of this book (Caspian energy and Caucasian corridors) focuses on energy politics and mind games of control and power over the Asian continent. This was all in a bid to take over control of gas production and oil and their subsequent transportation through pipelines to other world markets.
Review of chapter 7
Modern Georgia: Rebirth, Rose revolution and conflict
The chapter seven of this book is a history of the recent past of up to 2003. It is mostly focused on the present Georgia after the outrageous Rose revolution of 2003. Thomas De Waal highlights the rebirth of the state of Georgia after the revolution when a young and vibrant Mikhail Saakashvili gained control of the state. De Waal describes Mikhail as a charismatic political leader who had an ambition to take Georgia to the nest level of political democracy and equality. When he assumed power, De Waal indicates in this chapter how Mikhail vowed to the Georgian population that he would combat corruption head-on and strengthen the state of Georgia. De Waal further narrates how the young vibrant leader made political history in this state by conducting extensive constitutional amendments that saw the state becoming a presidential republic. As a matter of fact, this was totally against the expectations of the West.
In this chapter, the author further denotes how Mikhail took control over Ajaria that had initially been under the leadership of Aslan Abashidze. Additionally, De Waal states in this chapter how relations with Russia had become a priority during the first years of Mikhail in power. The leader made an attempt to mend the already broken bridges Georgia had with Russia. However, the country’s bid to become a member of NATO worsened the relationship between these two nations. This is because Georgia demanded that Russia withdrew its troops from its lands. Further in this chapter, De Waal explains how Georgia's quest for territorial integrity did not end with the rough response by Russia but continued in 2008 when it annexed not only Abkhazia but also South Ossetia. However, the author explains how this move provoked Russia compelling it to wage war against Georgia. This gave rise to a five day war towards the end of 2008. It was named the Russo-Georgian war of August 2008. De Waal indicates that it was from this war that Russia became ready to draw a line against the west if it continued to harbor threats to its regional interested.
Conclusion of Thomas De Waal’s chapter 6 and 7 of ‘The Caucasus’
In conclusion therefore, De Waal finishes picturing the political situation in South Caucasus and evaluates the international and regional confrontations. He gives an outstanding statement saying that in the event that outside powers stepped aside, the local residents would have the opportunity to recognize their skills to solve their own political issues. While coming to the end of this review, one can comfortably conclude that Thomas De Waal’s book was comprehensively researched, well understood and ideas articulated with utter proficiency.
Matthew Sussex’s ‘Conflict in the former USSR’
Review of Chapter 5
The Russo-Georgian war: identity, intervention and custom adaptation
Just like Thomas De Waal’s chapter 7 of ‘The Caucasus’, Matthew Sussex’s chapter 5 of ‘Conflict in the former USSR’ talks in depth about the Russo-Georgian war of 2008. Sussex indicate in this chapter that long before the creation of USSR, quite a number of nations had declared interest in Abkhazia and Ossetia and amazingly, both Russia and Georgia were parties. Just as mentioned before, Abkhazia and Ossetia instigated the Russo-Georgian war since both parties had interest in ruling the two regions (Matthew, 92).
While reading further through this chapter, the author outlines three major developments that instigated the conflict between the two former USSR nations (Russia and Georgia). First, he indicates that both nations were claiming dominion over the two regions with both emphasizing their points through kinship and historical diasporas. Secondly, the author outlines the development of two varying definitions and explanations of sovereignty invocated by Russia and Georgia. Lastly, he says the last and most amazing claim by Russia was human security that it used to legitimatize its interest in both Abkhazia and Ossetia.
Matthew further denotes in this chapter how Russia called for humanitarian intervention to meet its agenda. Georgia, on the other hand, internationalized the conflict by pleading with international bodies like NATO to intervene. All these efforts proved futile. It is unclear why both arguments as presented to the UN secretariat sounded legitimate and hearable (Matthew, 94). However, Sussex indicates that it was evident that Western and Eastern affiliations had a hand in delaying the resolution of the conflict.
Conclusion of Matthew Sussex’s chapter five of ‘Conflict in the former USSR’
While coming to the conclusion of this review, it is imperative to note how Matthew Sussex articulated his ideas systematically and with a lot of expertise in modern literature. In addition to the literature, the author displayed quite some knowledge in the Russo-Georgian war of 2008 and the former USSR at large. It is correct to conclude, therefore, that Matthew Sussex conducted a thorough research that resulted to the publishing of this book.
Works Cited
Sussex, Matthew. Conflict in the Former USSR. New York. Cambridge University Press. , 2012. Print.
