Foreign policy choices of weak states taking into account existing challenges, examined through the example of Georgia

Abstract

While all types of nations bear influence on the international system to some extent, the development of global political events is largely dependent on hegemonic and powerful states’ decisions. In such conditions, smaller and weaker states often lose the freedom to exercise their will and are unable to ensure national security. However, there are so-called third world countries that have internal political, economic and social challenges more often on their daily agenda than the issue of establishing sovereignty.

The definition of a weak state is not unequivocal. The political power of a state is subject to complex assessment. A state that cannot realize its own forces independently and whose authority/influence in the global political arena is significantly low may be considered a weak state. Each state, taking into consideration its specific challenges, works differently on its own survival strategy, giving rise to a rather chaotic reality in the international arena.

The Republic of Georgia was one of the first bold weak states. Although Russian influence was intensely present in its political life in the 1990s, Georgia openly directed its foreign policy towards the West after achieving independence. As Kenneth Waltz stated: “Freedom is implied in the word ‘independence’ but so is the necessity of self-reliance” (Waltz, 1954, p. 214).