A Georgian man squats amid the rubble of a destroyed street in the town of Gori [EPA]

Georgia's parliament says it is in a 'state of war' with Russia as fighting continues over the breakaway region of South Ossetia. 

What are the real driving forces behind this conflict, what does it mean for the region and how should the international community respond? 

Joining the Riz Khan show to discuss these issue are: Nina Khrushcheva, an associate professor specialising in Russian affairs from The New School in New York. She is the granddaughter of former Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev. 

Also joining the show is Padma Desai from Columbia University who has written extensively about the development of Russia.

Watch part one of this episode of Riz Khan

Watch part two of this episode of Riz Khan

This episode of the Riz Khan show aired on Tuesday, August 11, 2008 at 19:00GMT