Re-Focusing on Iran-Russia Cooperation in the Syrian Crisis; A ‘broader’ Strategic Stability on Agenda

Abstract

The main purpose of this article is to examine how and to what extent Iran-Russia cooperation is effective in ensuring ‘broader’ strategic stability through balancing in the Middle East. Strategic stability and balance of power are interrelated components of the region’s order which have changed following the Arab Spring and the Syrian crisis. The article analyzes Iran and Russia’s impact on these two concepts, with a systemic approach, paying attention to interrelationship of variables at regional and international levels. Although strategic stability has been generally considered an issue at international level of great powers politics, this paper, emphasizing on evolution of international relations, believes in a new, complex and multilayered definition of strategic stability - a ‘broader’ one in the Middle East, which is not necessarily ensured by agreements or balance among great powers.  

Iran, Russia remain skeptical about US exit from Syria, Afghanistan

Iran, Russia remain skeptical about US exit from Syria, Afghanistan

Article Summary

With the announcement of a US withdrawal from Syria, Iran and Russia can be expected to intensify their bilateral cooperation to achieve common interests rather than turn against each other.  

Tactical Changes in Russia’s Foreign Policy and Iran's Caution

Tactical Changes in Russia’s Foreign Policy and Iran's Caution

Turkey’s readiness to restore relations with Moscow, Britain’s exit from the European Union, circulation of some rumors on the Green Continent about the need to revise relations with the Kremlin, increased willingness among Middle Eastern countries to develop relations with Russia, and forthcoming changes in the White House are all new opportunities, which provide Moscow with more options and more expanded maneuvering space in its foreign policy. Adoption of a pragmatic approach, on the other hand, makes it possible for the Kremlin from both theoretical and practical standpoints to make the most of these opportunities.
 

Iran and the Principle of Balance and Containment in Russia's Middle East Policy

Iran and the Principle of Balance and Containment in Russia's Middle East Policy

Although Russia is very much different from its Soviet predecessor and its current assets do not allow for all-out competition or rivalry with the West, the issue of maintaining the “balance” is still important to it from the viewpoint of both security and identity.  

Tactical and Geopolitical Interaction between Iran and Russia in Syria

Tactical and Geopolitical Interaction between Iran and Russia in Syria

Russia’s military intervention in Syria, which has relatively changed equations in this country, enjoys noteworthy and new specifications.  

Bolstering Russia’s Military Interaction with Syria: Necessities and Considerations

Although there is nothing new about Russia’s military assistance to Syria, raising the level of this assistance under present circumstances has elicited a host of reactions and sensitivities, and some people have even described it as a measure, which can turn Moscow from “part of the solution” to Syria’s problem to “part of the problem.”  

Changes in Russia-Saudi Relations Nothing More than Tactical Maneuvering

Changes in Russia-Saudi Relations Nothing More than Tactical Maneuvering

Lack of “strategy” is one of the most important features that characterize Russia’s policy in the Middle East. Examples of this issue have been seen in discontinuous and mostly passive positions that the country has been taking on regional developments from the war in Iraq to political developments in Libya, the Arab Spring, and Iran's nuclear issue.  

“Iran's Nuclear Case” Card in Russia-West Confrontation

The geopolitical conflict and zero-sum game, which is going on between Russia and the West in Ukraine and has become more profound following the reunion of the Crimea Peninsula with Russia, should be considered as just another “juncture” in the unceasing rivalry over power in the international arena. The current faceoff will finally determine the new balance of power as well as political and security arrangements in Eastern Europe 

Russia-West Rivalry/Confrontation and Iran's Need to Be Cautious

Russia-West Rivalry/Confrontation and Iran's Need to Be Cautious

Rivalry and encounter have been among permanent features of relations between Russia and the Western world – which is used here in its general sense to mean the United States and all its Western allies. Both these phenomena have been manifest in various fields and at different levels as the unrelenting struggle over power in international politics continues.