Why West? The Georgian perspective

Nika Sikharulidze, New Eastern Europe (Poland)
In 1783 Georgia and Russia signed the so-called Treaty of Georgievsk, according to which Georgia became a Russian satellite state. After 18 years, the Russian Empire took over and occupied Georgia. From 1918 to 1921 Georgia enjoyed its freedom and independence, and in 1921 it was again occupied by Soviet Russia. After the Soviet Union’s collapse, Georgia was unwillingly involved in ethnic and civil wars undoubtedly inspired by Russia. Finally, in 2008, a five-day war brought sorrowful consequences for Georgia, although despite everything, Georgia didn't change its Western foreign policy orientation.