The question addressed in this thesis is: What can explain the significant changes in Russian Foreign Policy in Putin’s third term as president compared to his first and second term? The theory...Show moreThe question addressed in this thesis is: What can explain the significant changes in Russian Foreign Policy in Putin’s third term as president compared to his first and second term? The theory that functions as the theoretical framework is Charles F. Hermann’s theory of “change agents”, which this thesis addresses in chapter 1. In chapter 2, a historical overview will be provided of Putin’s presidential terms with regard to Foreign Policy. This chapter will chronologically divide Putin’s presidential terms in phases that are in alignment with the most substantial Foreign Policy changes that took place in the Russian Federation. This will provide the platform upon which Hermann’s theory will be applied and analysed. Furthermore, in Chapter 3, this thesis will analyse the Foreign Policy change that was most significant in every phase and determine which change agents most influenced which Foreign Policy change.Show less
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
