The caucasus mountains along the northeastern border of georgia (one of the former soviet republics) makes it difficult for the nation to trade with other former soviet republics that are to its north and east. the mountain range acts as

The answer is: natural barrier

Explanation:

The Caucasus Mountains are a natural barrier since it  interferes with travel and trade between country of Georgia and its northern neighbors. Other types of natural trade barriers are different languages and long distances.

The other two types of trade barriers are tariff barriers (taxes, etc.) and non-tariff barriers (e.g. import quotas, embargoes, etc.).

Competition policy promotes market competition by regulating anti-competitive behaviour undertaken by firms. The fundamental reason for competition policy is to allow the smooth functioning of the free market and the price mechanism, thus maximising economic welfare.