The cases of de facto states in the South Caucasus, including the subject of this paper, Abkhazia, demonstrates that successful state-building is possible under non-recognition and with the lack of...Show moreThe cases of de facto states in the South Caucasus, including the subject of this paper, Abkhazia, demonstrates that successful state-building is possible under non-recognition and with the lack of international sovereignty. Moreover, the very existence of such political bodies erodes the international rule of law and undermines basic principals of international relations and foundations of the Westphalian world order. While the Russian aspect of the case receives plenty of attention little discussion is dedicated to the Abkhaz nation's struggle for status, independence and the validity of their claims. Therefore, this research aims to identify and analyze the feasibility of those policy instruments of the Abkhaz government that are independent from other actors and would possibly contribute to the republic's final goal; to gain wider recognition and engage in international trade in order to end Abkhazia's long-lasting isolation and stabilize the area.Show less
