2011 Articles

Commercial Contact and Conflict Prevention: The Georgia-Abkhaz Case

Phillips, David L.

This article explores opportunities for interaction between Georgians and Abkhaz. Recommendations are based on the belief that private sector representatives are well suited to take a cooperative approach to engagement and that, even in the most intractable conflicts, the private sector is primarily interested in market access and a stable environment for doing business. The article does not address questions regarding the political status of Abkhazia nor does it explore security arrangements. Politics and security are considered only to the extent that they impact economic issues.