An Accurate Picture of the Ups and Downs of Iran’s Relationship with Russia

According to Khabaronline news agency, the book ‘Iran’s Position in Russia’s Foreign Policy’ (1578-2022), written by Dr. Ali Esmaeili, PhD in International Relations and Middle East researcher, and Dr. Mohammad Karim Darabi, PhD in Political Science, was published by Chapakhsh Publications.

Rah-e No Online news website reported this news and wrote:

The most significant difference between this work and other published works on Iran-Russia relations is that the present book covers a vast historical period from the time of the Tsars in 1578 until the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Second, the study method in this book combines two disciplines: history and international relations. It initially addresses Iran’s position in Russia’s foreign policy until the collapse of the Soviet Union from a historical perspective, and then from an international relations perspective, it examines cooperation and challenges in various fields between the two countries after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The final chapter, utilizing James Rosenau’s linkage model, examines Iran’s position in the foreign policy of the Russian Federation from Boris Yeltsin to Vladimir Putin. With this introduction, the book comprises an introduction and five chapters, as follows:

Chapter One: Analysis of the History of Iran-Russia Relations

This chapter begins by examining Russia’s relations with Iran during the Tsarist era. The most significant period was the Russian wars against Iran during the Qajar era, which had a profound impact on Iran’s political and economic destiny. The signing of treaties such as Gulistan and Turkmenchay, in addition to the loss of parts of Iranian territory, led to a shift in the regional balance of power. This analysis shows how these events led to the formation of a pattern of distrust between the two countries.

Furthermore, the impact of the Constitutional Revolution and the World Wars on Iran-Russia relations is explored. The October Revolution of 1917, by establishing a communist system in Russia, led to a fundamental change in the country’s foreign policy. This historical development not only affected bilateral relations between the two countries but also had profound regional and global consequences. In the final section, post-Soviet relations are examined, presenting changes in Russia’s foreign policy and its impact on bilateral interactions, and delving into the political and economic dynamics of Iran and Russia in the contemporary era.

Chapter Two: Russia’s Foreign Policy and Iran’s Position

This chapter examines the principles and objectives of Russia’s foreign policy in the Middle East and defines Iran’s position within these equations. The book’s analysis demonstrates that Russia’s national identity and strategic interests play a key role in its foreign policy formulations. For instance, due to its geopolitical location and energy resources, Iran is one of the main focal points of Russia’s policies in the region. Vladimir Putin’s role in Russia’s foreign policy is discussed in detail in this chapter. By relying on tools such as military power and energy diplomacy, Putin has been able to strengthen relations with Iran in various areas, including nuclear and security cooperation. This analysis shows that Russia’s foreign policy towards Iran is a combination of realism and attention to long-term economic and security interests.

Chapter Three: Iran’s Position in Russia’s Foreign Policy

This chapter, reviewing the historical relations between Iran and Russia, analyzes the main axes of interaction between the two countries in cases such as Iran’s nuclear program. Analyses show that despite extensive cooperation with Iran, Russia has always maintained a cautious view of the country. One reason for this caution is the historical distrust between the two nations, rooted in events like the Qajar treaties.

Furthermore, the common challenges faced by Iran and Russia against the United States, and the role of these challenges in shaping the policies of the two countries, are examined. This chapter explains how shared interests in confronting a common adversary have paved the way for strengthening strategic cooperation between Iran and Russia.

Chapter Four: Key Components of Russia’s Foreign Policy

Chapter Four examines the role of the Caspian Sea as one of the key points in Iran-Russia relations. This region, due to its geopolitical importance and rich energy resources, has always been a focus for both countries. Analysis of Russia’s policies shows that by leveraging its influence in the Caspian Sea, the country attempts to maintain the balance of power in its favor.

Energy policies and nuclear cooperation are other important topics in this chapter. By supporting Iran’s nuclear program, Russia aims to strengthen its position in global energy equations while enhancing bilateral relations. This chapter also comparatively examines the foreign policies of the two countries in the Caspian Sea, showing how competition and cooperation in this region impact their relations.

Chapter Five: James Rosenau’s Theory Variables and the Russian Federation’s Foreign Policy Towards Iran

In the final chapter, James Rosenau’s theory variables and the Russian Federation’s foreign policy towards Iran are meticulously analyzed. James Rosenau’s theory, emphasizing five key variables, provides a comprehensive framework for foreign policy analysis, encompassing individual variables, role, governmental structure, society, and international system. In this chapter, the Russian Federation’s foreign policy towards Iran is examined using these variables.

The individual variable emphasizes the personality traits and decision-making of leaders. In this regard, Vladimir Putin’s role as Russia’s main leader, with an emphasis on his geopolitical views and grand strategies, has been highly effective in shaping relations with Iran. Putin’s decisions to balance global rivalries with strengthening regional relations with Iran stem from his personal approaches and strategic calculations.

The role variable refers to Russia’s international and regional expectations and responsibilities. As a global power, Russia has always played a key role in Middle East developments, especially in its interaction with Iran. This role stems from political, economic, and security necessities to maintain Russia’s superior position in the region.

Other variables include governmental structure, society, and the international system. The governmental variable focuses on Russia’s governmental structures and decision-making bodies that play a fundamental role in determining foreign policy. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Kremlin, in coordination with security and economic institutions, have adopted balanced and intelligent policies towards Iran.

The societal variable reflects the impact of social expectations and needs on foreign policy. In this regard, Russian society, through cultural and economic relations, has welcomed interaction with Iran, especially in areas such as energy and trade. Finally, the international system variable denotes the impact of structural changes in global relations on Russia’s foreign policy.

Russia’s confrontation with the West and the need for regional allies, including Iran, have strengthened bilateral relations. Russia’s foreign policy towards Iran, in addition to economic and security interactions, is generally designed based on extensive cooperation and efforts to create balance in a multipolar global system. At the end of Chapter Five, the authors summarize the book’s content.

To purchase the book, you can contact Chapakhsh Bookstore at 02166404110 or obtain the book from the website https://chapakhsh.com/.