KEBIJAKAN LUAR NEGERI RUSIA DALAM MENDUKUNG KEMERDEKAAN OSSETIA SELATAN DARI GEORGIA

The purpose of this research is to analyze Russia’s support towards the independence of South Ossetia from Georgia. A conflict which was started by an internal conflict changed into a conflict between the two states which are Russia and Georgia, due to the interference conducted by Russia. Russia is believed to feel threaten by the fact that Georgia has intentions of becoming a member of NATO. The Foreign Policy chosen and conducted by a state is considered to be the rational choice of that said state, a choice which is made through weighing the advantages and disadvantages at hand. This research utilizes the concept of Rational Choice model by Charles W. Kegley and Eugene R. Wittkopf. The foreign policy analyzed with the Rational Choice Model has numerous states, which are: problem recognition and definition, goal selection, identification of alternatives, and, choice. The result of this research concludes that the support for the independence of South Ossetia from Georgia is a rational choice since it brings forth many benefits on behalf of Russia, due to the fact that it is in line with its national interest which is to minimalize threats omitting from NATO. Keywords: Russia, conflict, Georgia, NATO threats, rational choice