South Ossetia Research Articles

Geopolitics of separatism

Geopolitics of separatism

Merchandise trade of the unrecognized entities in West Asia. The gravity model of trade, including Abkhazia and South Ossetia

Abstract The study aims at presenting the specificity of the economy and merchandise trade of unrecognized entities in the Caucasus region, with a particular focus on Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The study also analyses the potential changes in merchandise trade structure and volume. The empirical analysis covers the period between 2015 and 2020. The conducted study has revealed that over the last years, Abkhazia and South Ossetia have improved their economic condition, increasing industrial production, developing services, and maintaining trade exchange with other states. However, as the outcomes of the gravity model of trade indicate, both unrecognized entities do not fully utilize its trade potential, especially with Georgia, Russia, and Turkey. Hence legitimizing trade between Abkhazia and South Ossetia may bring economic benefits not only for both entities but also for other countries, especially their immediate neighbors.

The issue of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in Georgian-russian interstate relations

In this article the authors explore historical and legal grounds of separatist tendencies in South Ossetia and Abkhazia, the role of russia in stirring up the confrontation of autonomies with Georgia and influence of these processes on Georgian-russian interstate relations. In the authors’s opinion separatist tendencies in South Ossetia and Abkhazia are of a long-term nature and were shaping through Soviet national policy, the federal system of the USSR, lack of centralized power in Georgia during the period of disintegration of the USSR, dissatisfaction of regions because of Georgia implementing ethnonational policy, active participation of russia in inciting separatist movements. Over the years, russia has actually interfered in the internal politics of Georgia, explaining this with the concept of «special responsibility». russia’s policy was carried out under the guise of neutrality and peacemaking, which helped for a certain period of time to convince the international community that russia was trying to resolve the conflict.The rapprochement policy and creation of a system of agreements with self-proclaimed republics is part of Russia’s plan to maintain influence in the South Caucasus region, create obstacles for Georgia on its way to Euro-Atlantic integration, and prevent any US advance in the region. Prospects for conflict resolution in the short term are insignificant, since it is beneficial for russia to delay the frozen state as long as possible. On the other hand, Georgia is unable to solve the issue of the return of Abkhazian and Ossetian autonomies on its own without sufficient military power, economic potential and the support of Western allies, who currently have a war in Ukraine on their agenda. Therefore, the most likely development of events in the region is strategic patience, which over time will most likely benefit only one side of the conflict.

Features of the Presidential Election Campaign of 2022 in the Republic of South Ossetia

The article is devoted to the analysis of the presidential election campaign of 2022 in the Republic of South Ossetia. The author aimed to identify the features of the last election campaign, which made it possible to understand and explain its results, which led to a change of power in the RSO. In this paper, the author used a behavioral approach and a method of situational political analysis, which makes it possible to compile a multifactorial picture of the features of the presidential campaign. The conducted research of the presidential campaign allowed the author to explain the reasons for the departure of the incumbent president and the coming to power of the opposition in the conditions of the seemingly effective internal policy of the party in power.

The future of Russian federalism in the context of relations between Russia and partially recognized and unrecognized states of the post-Soviet space

The object of the study is the future of Russian federalism in the context of the possible inclusion of new subjects into the Russian Federation. The subject of this research is the probability of the Republic of South Ossetia, the Republic of Abkhazia, the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic and the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic becoming parts of Russia. The analysis is carried out through examining the history of the formation of the objects of research, their relationship with Russia and the comments of public administration officials on the prospects of these relationships. This research is relevant because of global transformation processes brought about by Russia’s special military operation. The scientific novelty of the work is proved by the absence of a comprehensive analysis of potential integration processes between the Russian Federation and the members of the partially recognized and unrecognized states of the post-Soviet space, caused by the aggravation of the international political situation. Based on the results of the analysis, different approaches to potential integration processes have been developed, among them are: Republics becoming a part of the Russian Federation following a referendum, the creation of a supranational entity or inclusion of the aforementioned state entities into an existing one. Following the executed analysis, the authors came to the conclusion that currently the most optimal form of unification, taking Russian interests and the foreign policy situation into account, is the entry of some of these states into a joint supranational entity with Russia, following the example of the Union State of Russia and Belarus.

Engaging Without Recognizing? Western Approaches to the Eurasian De Facto States

From being a relatively neglected fi eld, the study of de facto states has developed rapidly in recent years. As the break-up of the Soviet Union produced seven de facto states – four that still exist to this day (Abkhazia, Nagorno-Karabakh, South Ossetia and Transnistria) and three that are now defunct (Chechnya, the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Lugansk People’s Republic) – scholars from this region have contributed greatly to the development of this fi eld. Russian scholars have been particularly active, with Russia serving as the patron state of three of the extant entities (having reintegrated/absorbed the three defunct ones), as well as of the patron of Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenia. But Western scholars have also made a sizeable contribution, although often working in relative isolation from “local” research. Whereas local researchers excel in in-depth knowledge of the history and culture of the region, their Western colleagues add to the comparative and theoretical approaches. And just as Russian researchers naturally focus on the relations of the Eurasian de facto states with their Russian patron, their Western counterparts often analyse the policies of their own countries towards these entities. Thus, we argue, two separate “ecosystems” of research into Eurasian de facto states have gradually developed: a “local” one and a “Western” one, each with its own peculiarities. In this article, we survey the “Western” literature on de facto states, noting the various assessments of the possibilities for US and EU engagement with the Eurasian de facto states. The scholarly literature discussing Western engagement emerges as partly analytical, explaining what Western states are doing and not doing and why, and partly normative, o ff ering policy recommendations on how best to engage. Implicit in the concept of “engagement,” however, is the understanding that engagement is preferable to “ignoring” or “sanctioning.” According to this view, Western cooperation with de facto state authorities is inevitable.

Innovative strategy to achieve food security in the Republic of South Ossetia

Achieving food security is a pressing issue for many countries. Over the past years, the global emphasis has transitioned from merely comprehending the challenge to actively formulating policies and crafting innovative solutions to ensure food security worldwide. This research specifically targets South Ossetia’s food security status and the potential innovative strategies in agriculture to enhance it. Utilizing a blend of analytical, economic-statistical, and benchmarking methodologies, combined with data sourced from South Ossetia’s official statistics and various Russian agencies, the findings paint a concerning picture. South Ossetia’s agriculture is facing escalating difficulties characterized by production inefficiencies and foundational economic hurdles. Alarmingly, the region’s food security is teetering on the edge, evidenced by a glaring deficit of 47.5 thousand tons in basic foodstuffs production in 2022 alone. For South Ossetia to navigate these challenges and attain its food security goals, a two-pronged approach is pivotal. First, an innovative overhaul of its agro-industrial sector is necessary, promoting its seamless integration with the broader Russian economic framework. Subsequently, aligning with the EAEU member states’ food systems could further reinforce this. Such transformative initiatives in agriculture will not only secure food supply but can also rejuvenate the region’s social infrastructure and elevate its attractiveness for migration.

Анализ зарегистрированных причин смерти взрослых орлов в Грузии в 1973–2022 годы

Since 1973, the author has been conducting a complex study of birds in Georgia. Particular attention was paid to identifying threats and limiting factors, determining the extent and causes of death of all raptors, including eagles. All known cases were registered and, if possible, the causes were determined. In addition to the materials collected by the author together with assistants, for the collecting of statistical data regarding raptor mortality (including eagles), in 1978–1985 and in 1990–1991 special questionnaires were prepared and distributed to all regions, autonomous republics and districts of Georgia, to regional inspectors of regional branches of the former State Nature Conservation Committee, employees of the former Department of Nature Reserves and Hunting Industry of Georgia, stuff of the former Georgian Society of hunters, regional branches of hunters and falconers societies, zoologists and conservationists working in nature reserves, universities, nature history museums, as well as to local amateur naturalists, birdwatchers and school teachers. More than 8700 copies of questionnaires were distributed. Appeals to participate in the counting along with instructions were published in local newspapers and distributed via mass-media (radio, TV). As a result, about 520 responses were received, including detailed information on number of raptors killed by poachers, electrocuted on power lines, trapped by falconers, poisoned by chemicals, etc., altogether giving data on more than 160 death cases of nine eagle species. That was a great help for better understanding of threats and limiting factors. The total number of adult eagles’ deaths recorded in Georgia in 1973–2022 was 441: 118 in 1973–1980, 171 in 1981–1990, 69 in 1991–2000, 56 in 2001–2011, and 27 in 2012–2022. At least 362 of recorded mortality cases, or approximately 82% of all, occurred during the autumn migration, which coincides with the hunting season in Georgia, while 27 cases (6.12%) were recorded during spring passages, 28 (6.35%) cases – during wintering, and 24 (5.44%) cases – during breeding seasons. The main cause of death for adult eagles recorded in Georgia during study has been shooting – 296 cases for 9 eagle species, which is more than 67% of the total number of registered cases. Other recorded causes of mortality were the following: death on electricity cables due to electric shock (17 cases for 4 species), trapping and killing (5 cases for 2 species), death in traps with meat baits (5 cases for 2 species), death due of poisoning at poisoned meat baits (4 cases for 2 species), collisions with technical constructions (4 cases for 2 species), death on garbage damps due of poisoning (2 cases for 1 species), victims of prey (1 cases for 1 species), collisions with vehicles (1 cases for 1 species), unidentified reasons (106 cases for 7 species). There is no doubt that the shooting was the cause of the eagles’ deaths in those cases when it was not possible to accurately determine its cause. More detailed summarized data on distribution of registered mortality cases of adult eagles by seasons of years as well as by regions of Georgia are presented, analyzed, and discussed. Human persecution, especially illegal shooting, should be considered as a basic threat to raptors in Georgia, including all eagle species. The highest level of illegal eagle shooting in Georgia was recorded at Black Sea coastlands, in western part of Kolkheti Lowland, in river valleys, in suburbs of large cities, and in some other areas. If we compare the scale and causes of the eagle mortality in Georgia in different decades, then in general it should be noted that in recent years there has been a slight decrease in the number of shootings. Nevertheless, despite the legislative protection of all species of birds of prey in Georgia, shooting is still the main threat.There are no recent data on raptor protection status from some regions of Georgia annexed by Russia – Abkhazia (from 1993) and South Ossetia (from 2008). According to the available information from these regions, the situation there is alarming. To improve the situation with the protection of eagles in Georgia, as well as for all other raptor species, it is necessary to conduct extensive educational programs among all segments of the population, primarily among hunters.

РАЗВИТИЕ АГРОПРОМЫШЛЕННОГО КОМПЛЕКСА РЕСПУБЛИКИ ЮЖНАЯ ОСЕТИЯ В РАМКАХ ЦЕЛЕВЫХ ПРОГРАММ

The development of each branch of the national economy should be carried out in the mode of effective planning. A necessary attribute is the presence of target indicators calculated on the principles of objectivity and scientific validity. Sectoral targeted programs are the very tool for long-term forecasting, which reflect the amount of necessary public investment in a particular industry in order to achieve the set development targets. In this regard, the agricultural sector is the most important as an object of state support and programs aimed at its development require careful study. This is especially true for the Republic of South Ossetia, whose agro-industrial sphere has to be raised almost from scratch due to the political and economic cataclysms of recent decades.

Энергетическая безопасность постсоветских де-факто государств: вызовы, конфликты и взаимозависимость

The article represents an effort to conceptualize energy security issues of the four post-Soviet de facto states: Republic of Abkhazia, Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic, and Republic of South Ossetia. The author considers: relevant conceptual issues; the structure of post-Soviet de facto states’ energy consumption; the role of energy security issues in the context of post-Soviet de facto states’ relations of conflict and interdependence with their parent states; issues of development of these states’ energy sectors to enhance their energy security; societal and environmental aspects of de facto states’ energy security. The author concludes that the energy security agendas of these four polities are largely similar. Unlike major economies, they do not face a primary threat to their oil supplies, while the issue of supplying residential consumers with electricity and natural gas is of utmost importance to them. The energy security agenda plays an ambiguous role in the context of the relationships between these four de facto states and their parent states. In some cases, it exacerbates existing contradictions, while in other cases, it facilitates peaceful and constructive resolution. At present, the majority of post-Soviet de facto states are unable to fully meet their gas and electricity needs, with only Transnistria being capable of exporting electricity, provided that it receives a sufficient volume of gas from external sources. Energy problems play an ambiguous role in the conflicts between post-Soviet de facto states and their parent states. Sometimes the parties use these problems as leverage for pressure. However, in other cases, finding mutually acceptable solution for energy issues becomes an incentive for constructive cooperation. Sometimes parent states even bear the burden of debts and other expenses because they still claim sovereignty over their “breakaway territories”. Overall, due to extremely limited economic potentials and nonrecognition, post-Soviet de facto states have achieved, at best, limited results in safeguarding their energy security.

Демографическое развитие Республики Южная Осетия: тенденции, риски, стратегические приоритеты

The article presents the results of the analysis of demographic trends in the Republic of South Ossetia, one of the partially recognized states of the post-Soviet space formed during the period of independence 2009–2022. Whenever possible, the demographic situation was assessed not only in the republic as a whole, but also in the context of five administrative entities. The analysis showed that the post-war trend of population growth in recent years has been replaced by a decrease; with a general decrease in the rural population, there is an increase in the proportion of men in districts and women in cities; high mortality of the population and earlier mortality among men remain; the model of a small family is being consolidated; a decrease in the birth rate occurs against the background of an increase in divorces and a reduction in marriages; there is a high level of migration, especially among young people, both from rural areas to the city and outside the republic. Improving the demographic situation is one of the priorities of the socio-economic development of the republic. The situation requires the institutionalization of an independent demographic policy, which is not yet available in the republic

РАСЧЕТ СТРАХОВЫХ ПЕНСИЙ В РЕСПУБЛИКЕ ЮЖНАЯ ОСЕТИЯ

This scientific article is designed for social guarantees of citizens of the Republic of South Ossetia in terms of pension insurance, which is based on the study of the pension legislation of the Republic of South Ossetia and is due to the fact that pension policy issues, one way or another, concern each of us, that is, those who have already been assigned a pension, and those who will have the right to receive it in the future. The pension serves as a necessary guaranteed income to ensure the vital activity of citizens of the Republic of South Ossetia and the proposed formulas will create conditions for establishing differentiation in calculating the amount of pensions, which should be overestimated from the amount of wages and, accordingly, from the amount of insurance premiums deducted to the Social Fund of the Republic of South Ossetia.

Territorial Identity: Structure, Boundaries, Reproduction (A Comparative Analysis of the Saratov region, the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria and the Republic of South Ossetia)

The purpose of the article is to analyze the phenomenon of territorial identity as a reflection of modern transformation processes and a relevant indicator of the potential for social mobilization of residents of local territories. The research objectives were to analyze the structure of territorial identity, the forms and mechanisms of reproduction of the external and internal social boundaries of the territorial identity area, and the role of social networks in its reduction. The analysis of the data is based on sociological studies conducted in the Saratov region, the Kabardino-Balkar Republic, and the Republic of South Ossetia. It describes the structural characteristics of territorial identity, the processes of formation of its social boundaries, and evaluates social networks as tools for its preservation, formation, and transformation. The authors conclude that territorial identity occupies a leading place in the structure of an individual self-identification and can be a powerful group consolidating factor.

Динамика самоопределения этнических движений на постсоветском пространстве (на примере Азербайджана и Грузии)

Introduction: the modern world includes a variety of self-determination movements, many of which have grown into large-scale political-territorial conflicts that continue to this day. The post-Soviet countries provide illustrative examples of this kind of movements. Objectives: to identify variability in the development trajectories of self-determination movements in Georgia and Azerbaijan. Methods: case-study, comparable-case method: five movements advocating self-determination of ethnic groups are analysed (three movements define themselves in interaction with the Georgian state, two – with the Azerbaijani one). Results: the research has revealed that the basis of self-determination movements is ethnic identity. Three cases have been identified to demonstrate similar dynamics: the Karabakh, Abkhaz and South Ossetian movements are involved in a recurring conflict for self-determination and are examples of successful movements. Two cases – the Adjarian and Talysh movements showed a decline in dynamics and a gradual extinction. Conclusions: the period of high activity and success in self-determination was the first half of the 1990s, when Azerbaijan and Georgia were going through systemic transformations and the formation of their own statehood. Further, their intentions to restore governability and maintain territorial integrity clashed with the will of movements for self-determination and self-government. Support from Russia or a kin-state of an ethnic minority also affects the dynamics of the confrontation. The development trajectory of the movements is determined by the dynamic balance of opposing forces.

Conceptual Component, Figurative-metaphorical and Value Characteristics of the Concept FREEDOM/LIBERTY in the Ossetian and English Languages

Freedom is a concept with an extremely complex structure. Most of its components are concepts themselves with their own complex hierarchical structure. The authors discusse the components of the concept of “freedom” in the Ossetian and English languages, establishes its main conceptual, figurative-metaphorical and value characteristics in both languages and the specific meanings in each of these linguistic cultures separately. In the context of intensive intercultural communication, a comparative analysis of global languages and languages of small peoples makes it possible to establish the universal and national features of linguistic pictures of the world and contributes to the dialogue of cultures. The aim of the study is to identify the universal and unique components of the concept of freedom , represented in the Ossetian and English-language sociopolitical discourse. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the definition of the essential features of the concept of freedom in the Ossetian language on the example of the South Ossetian discourse, in which freedom plays a fundamental role in the formation of statehood, in the mentality of the people. Moreover, the given concept was for the first time compared in Ossetian and English, which allowed the authors to highlight the peculiarities of national self-identity of the speakers of both languages. The research was conducted on the basis of printed and electronic media of the Republic of South Ossetia, English press (both British and American), as well as Ossetian and English Dictionaries. A significant part of the material comes from the official bulletins and news from the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Ossetia, which is in Russian, Ossetian and English languages. The following research methods were used in the work: the method of conceptual analysis; method of contextual analysis; comparative method, the method of continuous sampling of material from the South Ossetian, British and American media. The results obtained indicate the similarity of a number of components of the concept of freedom in the minds of the American, British and Ossetian peoples, however, they emphasize that in the English language the concept of “freedom” has a binary character - the opposition of freedom - not freedom, while in the Ossetian linguistic culture, in addition to the main general meanings, saeribardzinad - freedom has a broader meaning and implies law, struggle, national freedom.

2002 Georgia Train and Equip Program (GTEP): Reasons and Effects on Political and Institutional Defense Transformation

AbstractHaving risen from the ashes of the Soviet Union, Georgia was a country in desperate need of support and development. As oneof the former Soviet republics, Georgia was now not only a newly independent country but a country with its own new Army.The Georgia Train and Equip Program (GTEP) began in 2002 and involved United States Armed Forces and Georgian DefenseForces. It was designed to train and equip a few Georgian battalions using small unit tactics to fight terrorism. I examine inmore detail what GTEP was.To help the reader fully understand the reasons and effects of GTEP, I identify the role Georgia’s geo-strategic location playedin the implementation of GTEP and Georgia’s role in the struggle for spheres of influence between the West (NATO and theUnited States) and Russia. Accordingly, in this article I examine the Geo-political environment surrounding the country ofGeorgia as Russia was determined to keep Georgia close politically and militarily and NATO at a distance. Concurrently, theWest desired to reduce the Russian sphere of influence which incorporated much of the former Soviet Union. At the same time,the United States and NATO desired to expand NATO to Russia’s border. Conflict was inevitable. In addition to spheres ofinfluence, Georgia was and is uniquely positioned geographically to play quite a significant role in the Global War on Terror(GWOT).Accordingly, several additional points of stress existed between Russia and Georgia including The Pankisi Gorge, Abkhaziaand South Ossetia along the threat of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). The Pankisi Gorge is locatedwithin Georgia. Chechnya borders the Pankisi Gorge and due to the terrain, the boarder is quite difficult to control whichenabled terrorists and criminal groups to exploit the area.Through this study, one may see the effect GTEP had on Georgian political and institutional defense transformation. One mayalso see Georgia’s reasons for political and institutional defense transformation and how they compare to the U.S.’s reasons forthe region.

New records of the rock lizards of the genus Darevskia Arribas, 1999 (Sauria: Lacertidae) in the Caucasus. Communication 2

Five new regional records of the rock lizards in Caucasus are described. The distribution of Darevskia alpina (Darevsky, 1967) on the northern slope of Mount Elbrus has been detailed: the species was found in the Emmanuel glade and in the gorge of the Kyzylkol River. The easternmost record of D. alpina is located in the upper stream of the Cherek Bezengi River in Kabardino-Balkaria. Darevskia caucasica vedenica (Darevsky et Roitberg, 1999) was first found on the territory of Dagestan in the area of the lake Kezenoyam and on the watershed of the Okholitlau and Khulhulau rivers. The existence of an isolated population of D. daghestanica (Darevsky, 1967) in the gorge of the Bolshaya Liakhvi River was confirmed, which is located in South Ossetia, on the southwestern border of the species range. When studying the collections of the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, three specimens of D. dahli (Darevsky, 1957) were found from the village Alapars of the Kotayk region of Armenia collected in 1880. This locality is the southernmost and, moreover, the only record of the species in the Armenian volcanic highlands.

Features of Turkey’s Modern Policy on the Southern Caucasus

The article examines the current policy of Turkey in the South Caucasus – Transcaucasia. Bilateral relations between Turkey, on the one hand, and the states of the South Caucasus region, on the other, are considered. The main directions of Turkey’s policy in the region are considered. An overview of Turkish-Azerbaijani, Turkish-Armenian and Turkish-Georgian relations is given.The war in Nagorno-Karabakh in 2020 showed the potential for conflict in the region and threats to Russia’s security. Now other processes are taking place in the region. Turkey’s role in the region has increased. The region has conflict territories, among which the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, the Republic of Abkhazia and the Republic of South Ossetia stand out.Aim. To analyze the current situation in the South Caucasus region from the point of view of regional security. To analyze and describe the role and policy of Turkey in security issues in the South Caucasus. Tasks. Identification of Turkey’s new role in the South Caucasus region and analysis of the current situation in the region.Methods. Analytical and descriptive methods were used when writing the work. Methods of comparative analysis and text analysis, as well as content analysis were also used.Results. At the present stage in the South Caucasus region, Turkey plays a key role in regional security issues, along with Russia.Conclusions. The strengthening of Turkey’s role in the South Caucasus region has led to a decrease in the role of Russia and Iran. However, the current situation is not stable yet and there is a high probability of new conflicts of interests of external actors in the South Caucasus region.

<i>Intercultural Communication Under New Challenges</i>. The 14<sup>th</sup> RISA Convention

MGIMO University started a new academic year with the 14th Russian International Studies Association (RISA) Convention. Held on October 13th–15th the Convention invited leading scholars to discuss historical, socio-economic, political, and legal aspects of shaping a new world order. Its traditional interdepartmental panel Intercultural Communication this year brought together speakers from Russia, Belarus, Moldova, Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Uruguay, and Iran to discuss cultural diversity under new challenges. An interdisciplinary array of 52 reports by philosophers, culturologists, linguists, political scientists, regionalists, religious scholars, art historians and specialists in the field of media studies presented a vivid picture of modern research in the sphere of intercultural communication. The reports and exchange of opinions encouraged scientists to investigate related academic fields and expand their theoretical horizons by getting acquainted with the achievements of interdisciplinary research in related fields of knowledge. Among the most discussed topics that aroused keen interest of the audience are the following: a new linguistic reality of intercultural interaction on the example of the evolution of the Spanish language, the preservation of the cultural heritage of peoples in the context of globalization, various ways of visualizing culture and their influence on the formation of regional and national identity, philosophical understanding the challenges facing traditional manifestations of culture and much more. The session demonstrated that intercultural communication lying at the intersection of multiple parties’ interests remains flexible and adaptable and the dialogue of cultures is a reciprocal and ever-important process.

Modern trade relations between the Republic of South Ossetia and Russian regions: Features, trends, barriers, risks

Touches upon the foreign economic interactions of the partially recognized states - the Republic of South Ossetia. The development of states that have arisen, as a rule, as a result of armed conflicts, and are designated in world practice through variousterms (unrecognized states, secessions, de facto states, etc.), has a constant scientific interest. In recent years, research has been updated in the search for factors and mechanisms of self-development of such states, which does not imply absolute economic and social isolation, therefore, one of the mechanisms is external relations and trade interactions. The purpose of this study is to substantiate the features, trends, barriers and risks of export-import relations of the republic with the regions of the Russian Federation. The study was conducted using methods of empirical analysis of statistical data, as well as normative and cartographic analysis and presentation of results. The main sources of analytical information were the site data ru-stat.com. The period of the analysis is January 2013 - January 2022. The analysis revealed the current features and trends of trade relations between Russia and South Ossetia, including the transition of the customs authorities of South Ossetia to the standards of the Eurasian Economic Union; an increase in import volumes and tax revenues from it. There are three types of barriers to increasing imports to Russia - transport and logistics, institutional, and structural. The emergence of certain risks of the foreign trade relations with Russia is not excluded, in particular, the occurrence of pandemics like COVID-19, exchange rate fluctuations of the Russian currency, sanctions pressure. In general, the republic has long-term trade relations with Russian regions, primarily in terms of imports. Nevertheless, the Government of the Republic faces the strategic task of strengthening and increasing trade interactions.