Associate Professor, Political Science, Shahid Bahonar University, Kerman, Iran
10.22059/jices.2023.95139
Abstract
The present world order faces a significant rift due to the growing political and economic influence of Russia and China as dissatisfied actors. West Asia (hereinafter referred to as the Middle East) has long remained a strategic region of interest for major powers. Favorable conditions have emerged that allow Russia and China to leverage the anti-American sentiment in the Middle East. Both countries are actively expanding their presence and influence in the region to serve their respective goals and interests. This article aims to identify and compare the objectives and interests of Russia and China in the Middle East, while assessing their impact on Iran's interests. Through the application of Offensive Neo-classical Realism theory, this study reveals that Russia and China pursue a cooperative policy in the Middle East with a common goal of enhancing their positions as major powers within the international system. Iran, possessing a special strategic and geopolitical position, holds significance for both countries. While Russia focuses primarily on political-security matters, China places emphasis on diplomatic, economic, and trade issues. Although Russia and Iran can collaborate to challenge the established US order in the region, their contrasting approaches to stabilizing the Middle East create a divergence of interests. However, recognizing the negative aspects of Russia's policy towards Iran does not imply a complete abandonment of cooperation with Moscow. Meanwhile, China's popularity in Iran is currently on the rise, aided by its willingness to engage in trade and investment under a 25-year strategic agreement, thereby undermining US efforts to isolate Iran and impose international sanctions.
Abbaszadeh Fathabadi, M., & Kamali, Y. (2023). Russia and China's policies, goals and interests in West Asia and its impact on the Islamic Republic of Iran's interests. Journal of Iran and Central Eurasia Studies, 6(1), 1-14. doi: 10.22059/jices.2023.95139
MLA
Mehdi Abbaszadeh Fathabadi; Yahya Kamali. "Russia and China's policies, goals and interests in West Asia and its impact on the Islamic Republic of Iran's interests", Journal of Iran and Central Eurasia Studies, 6, 1, 2023, 1-14. doi: 10.22059/jices.2023.95139
HARVARD
Abbaszadeh Fathabadi, M., Kamali, Y. (2023). 'Russia and China's policies, goals and interests in West Asia and its impact on the Islamic Republic of Iran's interests', Journal of Iran and Central Eurasia Studies, 6(1), pp. 1-14. doi: 10.22059/jices.2023.95139
VANCOUVER
Abbaszadeh Fathabadi, M., Kamali, Y. Russia and China's policies, goals and interests in West Asia and its impact on the Islamic Republic of Iran's interests. Journal of Iran and Central Eurasia Studies, 2023; 6(1): 1-14. doi: 10.22059/jices.2023.95139
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