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