Abkhazia’s Geopolitical Roles in the Russia – European Union – Georgia Triangle

Abstract De facto states are often portrayed as possessing little agency in conducting foreign policy. By demonstrating how Abkhazia segregates its audiences, applies strategic ambiguity, and plays different geopolitical roles, this article presents a more nuanced account of Abkhazia’s foreign relations. Drawing on interviews conducted in Abkhazia, Georgia, Russia, and the European Union (EU), the author presents a diachronic and multi-sided account of how Abkhazia navigates the Russia – EU – Georgia triangle. De facto states play geopolitical roles to preserve de facto independence, mitigate the negative effects of non-recognition, and leverage resources to increase manoeuvring space. Two key strategies – audience segregation and strategic ambiguity – are examined through the analysis of Abkhazia’s recently adopted foreign policy concept. The analysis shows Abkhazia’s decreased interest in emulating EU member states and the rise of alternative roles of keeper of the status quo and (in)stability entrepreneur, while reactions to the document demonstrate the existence of an independent-minded and domestically contentious foreign policy.