Territory: An area of land under the jurisdiction of a ruler or state.

This project is a document looking at the aftermath of the peaceful “colour” revolutions in Georgia and Ukraine set against the backdrop of Russia’s resurgence as a major global power and its ongoing interference in their sovereign and domestic affairs.

A major geopolitical battle is being fought out in Ukraine and Georgia, in their nascent stages of nation-building and as they try to free themselves from Russian influence. Russia, fuelled by energy dollars, has emerged after its difficulties under Yeltsin into a more assertive and aggressive force. It still sees both countries as part of its sphere of influence, or its “near abroad”, and as such acts like an imperial power towards its smaller neighbours.

At the same time the European Union and NATO are expanding and gaining influence close to the borders of Russia. With Russia resisting, the situation is reminiscent of the Cold War era.

In both Georgia and Ukraine, Russia has played a major role in using its economic, military and energy resources to destabilise their pro-western Governments