The Library of Congress published an executive summary “Russian Federation: Legal Aspect of War in Georgia” on October 8, 2008 discussing the war in Georgia, the historic background of the conflict, laws of the use of the Russian military abroad, legal grounds for the Russian military presence in Georgia, Russia’s “Protection of Citizens” justification, and the legal justification and consequences of recognizing the separatist’s independence.

This report reviews legal aspects of Russia’s invasion into Georgia in August 2008 and Russia’s recognition of Georgia’s separatist enclaves’ independence. The report includes an analysis of relevant aspects of international law and Russian domestic law, as well as an evaluation of Russia’s legal justification for its actions. The report also provides historic background of the conflict and commentaries on laws regarding the deployment of the Russian military abroad.

The report includes many cross references and can be downloaded in PDF format.