Russia and Iran: A Toxic Relationship
Abstract
Moscow and Tehran appear to have developed a mutually beneficial relationship, largely driven by the mutually adversarial relationship each state has with the United States, but this study introduces an alternative explanation. Namely, that the Russia-Iran relationship is more one-sided and exploitative in favor of Russia than commonly understood because if rapprochement between Iran and the West were to occur, it would remove a major pillar holding up the legitimacy of Russia in the Middle East alongside a support base utilized to undermine Americas global hegemonic position. Iran would also prove capable of competing with Russia in the hydrocarbon export and transportation markets, a key economic threat to Russia's own political economy. Although both states have substantive ideological differences with the United States, Russia gains more from Iran's rivalry with the United States than the reverse, suggesting that Russia benefits more from the status quo position than Iran. By analyzing coinciding interests of Russia and Iran, including Syria, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, United States sanctions, the Caspian Sea, and the pending China-Iran Deal, this thesis analyzes the exploitation driven by Russia onto Iran.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 26, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1178002
Entities
People
- Leslie A Harkness
Organizations
- Marine Corps University