Sanctions and the path away from peace
Liana Kvarchelia (2008)
Liana Kvarchelia argues that Georgia and other international actors have misjudged the political, economic and social consequences of the policy of isolating Abkhazia. She describes the array of sanctions imposed on Abkhazia as well as the effects of Russia's easing of restrictions, highlighting changes in the relations between Abkhazia and Russia and on Abkhaz perceptions of Georgia. Sanctions and the framing of negotiations around Georgia's territorial integrity have deepened Abkhaz alienation from Georgia, slowed political reform within Abkhazia and considerably affected Abkhaz society's trust in the international community. She concludes it is not possible to make progress towards a resolution without addressing the causes of the existing lack of confidence - not least the isolation policy that has deepened mistrust towards Georgia.