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.  

Regional and International Goals of Russia's Military Presence in Iran

Regional and International Goals of Russia's Military Presence in Iran

Almost half a century after Russian soldiers left Iran’s soil in the aftermath of the World War II in 1946, the country’s military has once more returned to Iran following a new agreement with the Islamic Republic.  

Strategic Pragmatism in Russia’s Relations with Turkey

The speed of fluctuations in relations between Russia and Turkey during the past year has been one of the thought-provoking phenomena amid rapid developments of the Middle East, which has been unexpected for many people. Before the breakout of the ongoing crisis in Syria, Ankara was considered as a “regional ally” for Moscow and both countries pointed to the possibility of increasing their trade exchanges up to USD 100 billion per year, and in the meantime, talked about upgrading their relations to a strategic level.  

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.”  

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.