THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH OSSETIA AS A PUPPET STATE OF RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Abstract

The article deals with the peculiarities of relations of the Republic of South Ossetia with the Russian Federation. It is shown that South Ossetia depends on Russia in different spheres and is a puppet state of Russia. Putting this de facto state into dependency, Russia has a lot of goals: destabilization of political situation in Georgia, hindering its Euro-Atlantic course, strengthening of the Russian borders in South Caucasus, satisfying its geopolitical ambitions, opening new opportunities for the Russian economy. It is investigated that Russian-South Ossetian relations are based on a broad treaty basis which contributes to actual absorption of this de facto state by Russia. The Treaty on Alliance and Integration between the Russian Federation and the Republic of South Ossetia (2015) which plays a key role for the development of the relations of the two countries is characterized. In the article it is shown that Russia makes «unofficial occupation» of this unrecognized state, interferes in political process of it. Russia possesses military bases on the territory of South Ossetia, defends «border» between South Ossetia and Georgia, realizes a process of borderization. In the article it is pointed out that a politics of «passportization» makes close ties of this de facto state with its patron state, increases the trust of the South Ossetian population to Russian government, gives some advantages to the population of the region. It is shown that its development would be difficult without Russian financing. Russian economic assistance is the main source of income of South Ossetia. Russia invests money into infrastructure of South Ossetia, pays pensions and salary to state employees and is a main trade partner of the republic. The ties between these two countries are strengthening because of the official status of Russian language on the territory of this partly recognized state. It facilitates propaganda of Russia in South Ossetia. It is noticed, that the politics of Russia in the region affects interests of the European Union, USA and China. Possible scenarios of future development of the relations of South Ossetia and Russia are characterized in the article. Key words: South Ossetia; Russia; de facto state; politics of «passportization»; irredentism.