Welcomed Friend or Stranger Breaking in? Patron-Client Relations and Ontological (In)securities in Abkhazia

ABSTRACT

De facto states manifest asymmetric relations with their patrons. Enduring struggle for their existence has led them to demand, dictate, conform to, or defy patronage as their modus operandi. Abkhazia’s relations with Russia have been based on external assistance while clearly excluding land ownership. Recent plans to shift some Abkhazian territory to Russia’s control have sparked public outcry in Abkhazian society. This paper argues that governing elites in Abkhazia are navigating a thin line between Russian demands and threats to cut off economic support and the ontological insecurity caused by the grim prospects of losing control of premium Abkhazian soil.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. Tuvalu withdrew its recognition in 2014 and Vanuatu did the same in 2019.

2. All comments from the ambassador can be accepted as representative of how the Russian side sees the issue.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Estonian Research Council [grant PRG1798.