Sochi 2014: Security and Geopolitical Dimensions

Featuring: Andrew C. Kuchins

In 2014, Russia will host the Winter Olympic Games at the well-known Black Sea resort destination of Sochi. The Games have symbolic importance for Russian President Vladimir Putin, who considers them a demonstration of post-Soviet Russia’s potential and growing influence in the international arena. However, Sochi is also the center of several geopolitical and security challenges, including instability in the North Caucasus, the Georgian-Russian bilateral relationship, the status of ethnic Circassians in the region, and Russia’s policy on the breakaway republic of Abkhazia.

In his presentation, Sergey Markedonov, Visiting Fellow at the CSIS Russia and Eurasia Program, will explore the aforementioned issues and delve into the challenges posed by the Olympics to Russia and the Black Sea community. Dr. Markedonov will highlight a number of steps that may minimize risk for Russia (or, if implemented improperly, worsen the situation) and consider opportunities for international engagement relating to security.