Mad Maps, Episode V: The 'Ghost Borders' Of Georgia

Summary

The video explores the peculiar phenomenon of borderization between Georgia and Russia, focusing on the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. It highlights how these borders, which are contested and often arbitrary, impact local residents, who may suddenly find their land on the 'wrong' side of a fence. The conflict escalated after a brief war in 2008, leading to Russian military support for these regions and the establishment of new borderlines. This situation has resulted in numerous arrests of Georgians for trespassing, as well as ongoing tension between Georgia and Russia over territorial claims.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Borders in many countries follow natural features, but some, like those between Georgia and Russia, are confusing.
• 🚧 The process of 'borderization' has led to the establishment of disputed boundaries in Georgia's breakaway regions.
• 🇬🇪 For Georgia, these boundaries are seen as 'occupation lines,' while the EU views them as 'administrative boundaries.'
• 🇷🇺 Russia recognizes the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states.
• ⚔️ The 2008 war between Georgia and Russia intensified military presence and support for the breakaway regions.
• 🗺️ Border signs can suddenly appear, sometimes moving several kilometers into Georgian territory without warning.
• 👨‍🌾 Local villagers often face sudden loss of land due to border changes, affecting their livelihoods.
• 🚓 Over a thousand Georgians have been arrested for allegedly trespassing due to unclear border definitions.
• ⚖️ Amnesty International calls for the restriction of movement to be lifted and for financial support for affected locals.
• 🤝 The situation remains a stalemate, with Georgia and most of the international community considering the regions occupied by Russia.

Q & A

What are the breakaway regions of Georgia discussed in the video?

The breakaway regions are South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

What term does Georgia use to refer to the boundaries of these regions?

Georgia refers to these boundaries as occupation lines.

How does the European Union categorize these boundaries?

The EU categorizes them as administrative boundary lines.

What is Russia's perspective on these borders?

Russia considers these borders as the borders between independent states.

What phenomenon is described as 'borderization'?

Borderization refers to the process where the boundaries between Georgia and the breakaway regions are turned into more fortified international borders, complete with fences and military presence.

What significant event in 2008 led to changes in the region?

A five-day war between Georgia and Russia led to increased military support for the breakaway regions and resulted in their de facto independence.

What challenges do local villagers face due to borderization?

Villagers may find their land suddenly on the other side of a border, risking arrest for trespassing even when they are within their country's territory.

How has Amnesty International responded to the situation?

Amnesty International has called on Russia and the de facto authorities to stop restricting local movement and has urged Georgia to provide support for affected individuals.

What was the effect of the first fences erected in 2014?

The first fences resulted in the loss of 30 hectares of arable land for the villagers, making access to their land dangerous.

What is the international community's general stance on South Ossetia and Abkhazia?

The majority of the international community, including Georgia, considers South Ossetia and Abkhazia as occupied territories by Russia.