CONTEMPORARY EURASIA VIII (2) ContEurVIII2 | Page 21

CONTEMPORARY EURASIA VIII (2)
MANE BABAJANYAN
ARMENIAN-GEORGIAN RELATIONS IN THE
POST-SOVIET ERA: CHALLENGES AND
OPPORTUNITIES
Received October 3, 2019, Accepted November 14, 2019
Abstract: As two South Caucasian neighboring countries, Armenia and
Georgia share cultural and religious proximity, but there are several
contradictions between them caused by both external and internal factors.
This study attempts to shed light on the existing controversies and
unresolved issues between Armenia and Georgia that pose a challenge for
the former. Historical tensions and their direct consequences, diverging
foreign policy priorities, problems regarding the Armenian community in
Georgia, issues related to cultural heritage, as well as difficulties in
transportation via Georgia are discussed.
Keywords: Armenian-Georgian relations; South Caucasus; Russia;
Javakhk; Transit Transportation
Introduction
Armenians and Georgians have been living side by side in the
South Caucasus for centuries and have cultural and religious similarities.
Despite their proximity, the two states have chosen different paths in
building their foreign policy priorities in the post-Soviet period. Armenia
is a strategic ally of the Russian Federation and maintains a membership
in several Russia-led organizations, whereas Georgia has been pursuing
integration into Western institutions and has stable economic cooperation
with Turkey and Azerbaijan. In the context of the geopolitical tensions
between Russia and the West, Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as
Armenia and Turkey, Armenian-Georgian bilateral relations are in a
tenuous position. Additionally, Armenia and Georgia have been at odds
regarding the ownership of several territories during their history that has
shaped the current relationship.
Today, Georgia is of vital importance to Armenia as it is the main
transport and communication corridor to the outside world. Furthermore,
a sizeable Armenian community lives in Georgia. The preservation and
protection of the rights of Georgia’s Armenian community is also a
21