Research Title: الإستراتيجية الروسية الجديدة في الشرق الأوسط – الأزمة السورية كحالة للدراسة
Authors: 1-Dr. Sherzad Sulaiman Abdullah 2-Mr. Shakhawan Muhammad Salh
Abstract: Russia has a distinct strategic position and plays a vital role in international relations. It has a deep historical and geostrategic presence in influencing the affairs of the international system. It is a nuclear power and a permanent member of the Security Council, additionally, enjoys a great role in managing the international crises. Importantly, Russia together with the US formed the bipolar international system during the Cold War. In the post-Cold War era the world entered a new period called The New World Order where Moscow began to lose its powers at a global level in general, and in the Middle East (ME) in particular.
In 2011, when the Syrian crisis started, the Russians became more visible both tactically and strategically. The objective was to restore its hegemony in the ME in general, and in Syria in particular. The main method of Moscow’s new grand strategy in the region was to adapt itself with the new realities of the international system. Russia has influenced the developments brought by the so-called Arab Spring, more particularly the Syrian Revolution. The Kurdish issue in Syria has been another area where Russia has directly engaged and influenced the issue.
This study focuses on Russian’s grand strategy in the ME and particularly its role in the Syrian war. Putin’s strategic vision and engagement in Syria has not only impacted the developments within Syria, but has had significant implications on the nature and balance of power in the international system, and to some extent altered the unipolar nature of the system with the aim of creating a new multi-polar system. The new leadership and elites in Russia have played a great role in adopting a new political and strategic vision to maintain Russian influence in the world’s new strategic and security environment.
Here it is important to mention that not only without Russia no resolution can be passed in the Security Council, but also regional crises cannot be resolved without Russia. For this reason, all the actors in the region, including the Kurds in Syria and Iraq, are required to deal with Russia and study its decision-making process and new strategic vision and role. In Syria, in particular, the Kurds should appreciate the power of Russia and its role in managing the Syrian crisis as it has interest, leverage, capacity and strong relationship with both Iran and the Assad regime. Thus, its strategic presence will likely remain relevant for long and will continue to influence the international system and the developments in the ME.
Now, Russia is experiencing a critical strategic restructuring to respond to the new security threats and crises. The new vision is shaped by the new leadership in Moscow. It is a very radical movement to expand its sphere of influence beyond the realm of politics and consolidate its presence globally, which inevitably have a direct impact on the politics of the ME.
In 2011, when the Syrian crisis started, the Russians became more visible both tactically and strategically. The objective was to restore its hegemony in the ME in general, and in Syria in particular. The main method of Moscow’s new grand strategy in the region was to adapt itself with the new realities of the international system. Russia has influenced the developments brought by the so-called Arab Spring, more particularly the Syrian Revolution. The Kurdish issue in Syria has been another area where Russia has directly engaged and influenced the issue.
This study focuses on Russian’s grand strategy in the ME and particularly its role in the Syrian war. Putin’s strategic vision and engagement in Syria has not only impacted the developments within Syria, but has had significant implications on the nature and balance of power in the international system, and to some extent altered the unipolar nature of the system with the aim of creating a new multi-polar system. The new leadership and elites in Russia have played a great role in adopting a new political and strategic vision to maintain Russian influence in the world’s new strategic and security environment.
Here it is important to mention that not only without Russia no resolution can be passed in the Security Council, but also regional crises cannot be resolved without Russia. For this reason, all the actors in the region, including the Kurds in Syria and Iraq, are required to deal with Russia and study its decision-making process and new strategic vision and role. In Syria, in particular, the Kurds should appreciate the power of Russia and its role in managing the Syrian crisis as it has interest, leverage, capacity and strong relationship with both Iran and the Assad regime. Thus, its strategic presence will likely remain relevant for long and will continue to influence the international system and the developments in the ME.
Now, Russia is experiencing a critical strategic restructuring to respond to the new security threats and crises. The new vision is shaped by the new leadership in Moscow. It is a very radical movement to expand its sphere of influence beyond the realm of politics and consolidate its presence globally, which inevitably have a direct impact on the politics of the ME.
Download the PDF Document from here.
doi:10.23918/ilic2018.08
——————————————–
Journal of Law and political science
ISSN: 2079-3901
16th year , No.(23), 10 May 2018
Vol.(1): Special Issue