Georgia in the Center of Geopolitical Struggle: The Interests of Russia and Major World Powers ,

For centuries, the South Caucasus has been an arena of geopolitical rivalry among major regional powers — Russia, the USA, the UK, Turkey, and Iran. In light of contemporary challenges, examining the geopolitical interests of the West and Russia in Georgia has become especially relevant. The strategic significance of Georgia, due to its location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, as well as its role in regional and global energy security, makes it a focal point of competing interests. The primary actors influencing Georgia's political landscape are the USA and Russia, while the role of other external actors remains secondary, depending on the political context. Russia's strategic objective is to maintain its dominant position in the European energy market and solidify its role as the main supplier of natural resources to Europe. Meanwhile, Western countries seek to reduce their energy dependence on Russia, given that the Kremlin often uses energy resources as a tool of political leverage. This article provides a detailed analysis of the geopolitical and economic interests of major powers in Georgia since the restoration of its independence in 1991. Additionally, it examines Georgia's strategic interests and foreign policy aspirations, including its pursuit of integration into international structures and its efforts to balance the influence of both Russia and the West. The increasing geopolitical tensions in the region further enhance the relevance of this study, as Georgia’s position continues to evolve in a rapidly changing global landscape.