Abstract:
Today, the Russian Federation has certain problems related
to the "Circassian issue" in the Western Caucasus, because the
genocide and tragic events of the Circassians have not been the
subject of a real historical assessment from the Russian side,
and the movement of the Circassian diaspora and local Circassians
is still on the agenda. Russia sees a great danger even in the
separate Circassian entities of the North Caucasus. As an instrument
to solve the acute geopolitical issues in the region, Russia
sees the indivisible and now occupied territory of Georgia –
Abkhazia, where Russian propaganda has yielded results for two
centuries – alienation occurred between the Georgian and
Apsua peoples. By recognizing the occupied territory of Georgia
– Abkhazia – by Russia, Russia wants to show the Circassians
that their brother Apsua ethnic group living in the territory of
Abkhazia is "protected" under the wings of Russia. The Circassian
issue is still important in the agenda of international relations
(Russia–Turkey relations), even though it is perceived in an
anti-Russian context. In the current situation, Russia wants the
occupied Abkhazia, whose "independence" Russia has recognized,
to play an important role in conducting a constructive dialogue
between Russia and the Circassian diaspora, but under
certain conditions. Ethnic Apsuas, both in Abkhazia and in the
diaspora, are "in debt" to Russia for declaring Abkhazia's independence.
Therefore, Apsuas consider it expedient to help Russia in solving the "Circassian issue" in accordance with Russia's
interests.
In this geopolitical context, Georgia is ignored by Russia, and
official Georgia is not active in discussing this issue with the international
community.
The research is conducted on the basis of empirical material.
