U.S./Georgia/Russia Relations The United States, since its inception, has collaborated with other countries with similar regional and/or global goals. Although, all may not quite see eye-to-eye on all topics, they ultimately are working towards a common interest. Tension may arises as the U.S. works with multiple countries and those countries themselves may not get along with each other, while these countries may attempt to use their growing relationship with the United States to sway them against another country and the intended goals. Beginning with the fall of the Soviet Union, the United States has worked to build relationships with former Soviet Republics. Originally tasked to bring democracy to that part of the world, today the United States continues its relationship building efforts in order to not only spread democracy, but to also improve security in the region. So, the question is, how U.S./Georgian relations affect U.S./Russian relations, and if the United States can successfully have relations with both countries. Each country has a bilateral relationship, which affects their bilateral relationship with the other country. The key is to work with both in order to accomplish your intended goals. For the United States, their intended goals are to spread democracy and diminish terrorism. In order for the United States to achieve those goals in the Middle East, they have realized they must ensure a clear passage way. The passage is possibly via Georgia. Georgia is a fairly new independent country, although they have a long history of struggle to attain that independence. Their most recent struggle has been with Russia, who was once their ruler and oppressor, as well as provider of essential oil and gas. Since their independence, Georgia has looked for ways to lessen their need for resources from Russia.