FEAS RESEARCH E-BULLETIN FEAS E-BULLETIN DECEMBER 2016 | Page 9

Author: Günay, Mehmet Zeki
Title: Russia’s Policy on Secessionism in The United Nations Security Council
Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Oktay Fırat Tanrısever
Department: International Relations
Date: June 2016
Abstract: This dissertation examines Russia's policy on secessionism in Kosovo (Serbia), Abkhazia and
South Ossetia (Georgia), and Crimea (Ukraine) in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). It aims
to compare and contrast Russia's stance on these different cases of secessionism that have been brought
to the agenda of the UNSC. Contrary to the views of some experts who claim that Russia's references to
issues concerning identity and international law during the debates on secessionism in the UNSC reflect
Russia's commitment to the principles of international law and its support to the selected identities, this
dissertation argues that Russia's positions on identity issues and international law are driven mainly by
its pragmatic concerns in order to enhance its regional power and influence. This argument is supported
by Russia's inconsistencies in its approach to international law and identity matters. To this end, firstly,
the literature on international relations of ethnic conflicts and secessionism, and theories of International
Relations is discussed. Secondly, the dissertation examines the evolution of secessionism in Kosovo,
Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and Crimea. Thirdly, it analyzes post-Soviet Russia's foreign and domestic
policy on Kosovo, Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and Crimea. Later, it discusses Russia's responses and
policy choices concerning each case in the UNSC. The dissertation aims to identify the underlying
determinants of Russia's 'varying' responses to secessionism. Studying Russia's position on
secessionism in the UN in the post-Cold War era is significant not only for understanding 'Russia in the
UN' but also Russia's broader foreign policy choices.

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