Biting the hand that feeds them? Abkhazia–Russia client–patron relations

Abstract

The article discusses the post-Soviet de facto state of Abkhazia, and its relationship to its main patron, Russia. All patron-client nexuses are marked by a high degree of asymmetrical powerespecially with de facto states, which depend upon the patron for their very survival. Thus, it is surprising to see how de facto client states repeatedly show that they are both willing and able to defy the wishes of their patrons and pursue their own agendas instead. Moreover, the patron may be willing to tolerate such rebelliousness. What can explain such "disobedient" behavior? I examine three contentious aspects of Russian-Abkhazian relations: the process leading up to the signing of an extended bilateral agreement in 2014; the tussles over how to fight crime in Abkhazia; and acrimony over Abkhazia's reluctance to allow Russians to buy property in their country, despite massive pressure from Russian authorities.

Navigating de facto statehood: trade, trust, and agency in Abkhazia’s external economic relations

“…They see Moscow as expecting a degree of gratitude and deference that they are not necessarily willing to extend. Some also recall when Russia turned its back on Abkhazia in the 1990s, as well as the brutal treatment of the Abkhaz by the Russian Empire (see Kolstø 2020) and ask whether Russia can be trusted if push comes to shove. As Thomas de Waal (2010) observes, the Abkhaz "are pro-Russian much more by necessity than by natural enthusiasm".…”

“…Russians are free to invest in commercial enterprises, but the Abkhaz authorities have remained -to great Russian frustration -unswerving as regards real estate (Kolossov and O'Loughlin 2011, 640). This legal barrier can be circumvented by going through local frontmen, but that may prove risky (Kolstø 2020).…”

“…However, the resentment expressed toward the idea of bringing in a Czech partner is illustrative. Given the indispensable political and economic support it gives to Abkhazia, Moscow believes it is entitled to a certain droit de regard in Abkhazia's relations with the outside world (Kolstø 2020).…”

Russia’s Neighborhood Policy and Its Eurasian Client States: No Autocracy Export

“…In the Soviet period, Abkhazia was a favorite vacation destination, including for the elite. during the 1993 war of secession, the resorts were ravaged, but the Abkhazians have since tried to rebuild the tourist industry (Kolstø, 2020;blakkisrud et al, 2020). They are, however, still dependent on Russia's support: currently, Russian transfers cover an estimated 50 percent of the state budget (Sobkor, 2020).…”

“…moreover, for presidential hopefuls in Abkhazia it was no longer regarded as an asset to be seen as "moscow's man, " which could easily be construed as "moscow's puppet. " There was no disagreement about the necessity of keeping Russia as a friend and protector, but it was also incumbent upon all parties and politicians in the country to convince the public that they were not in the Kremlin's pockets, and could stand up to Russian pressure (Kolstø, 2020).…”