Experts discuss Georgia conflict

Warfare recently erupted in the Caucasus. On Aug. 7, 2008, the Republic of Georgia sent troops into South Ossetia in an attempt to regain control of that breakaway, pro-Moscow province, while Russian forces responded with tanks, troops, and bombing raids, both in South Ossetia and in Georgia proper.

Since hostilities broke out, Russia and Georgia have accused one another of undue aggression and even war crimes. Leaders in the U.S. and Europe have been frustrated in their efforts to influence these developments, and although active fighting has been suspended, significant tensions remain in the Caucasus.

On Tuesday, Sept. 9, a panel of University of Wisconsin–Madison experts will address the historical and geopolitical roots of the conflict, discuss issues of national sovereignty within the post-Soviet republics, and analyze the potential emergence of a new cold war.

The discussion will begin at 4:30 p.m. in 4151 Grainger Hall (Director’s Room), 975 University Ave. It is being sponsored by the Center for Russia, East Europe and Central Asia (CREECA).

The panelists are: Robert Kaiser, professor of geography; David McDonald, professor of history; and Uli Schamiloglu, professor of languages and cultures of Asia and chair of the Central Asian Studies Program and the Middle East Studies Program.

For more information, contact Jennifer Tishler, associate director of CREECA, at (608) 262-3379, jtishler@creeca.wisc.edu.