"European Union (EU)" and "Horizon 2020"Vits, KristelBerg, Eiki2019-02-252019-02-252018http://hdl.handle.net/10062/63376This memo discusses the “do or die” dilemma of post-Soviet de facto states. Our examination looks in to patron-client relations that are highly unequal and asymmetric in terms of resources and capabilities: Russia vis-à-vis Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and Transnistria, and Armenia vis-à-vis Nagorno-Karabakh. While relying entirely on a militarily and economically resourceful external patron is often seen as the only viable option, de facto states may be risking the loss of their “independence.” Hence their “do or die” dilemma that structures many of their policies.enginfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessde facto statespatron-client relationsde facto state foreign policypolicy memode facto riigidpatrooni-kliendi suhtedde facto riigi välispoliitikapoliitikamemoinfo:eu-repo/semantics/article