Triangle Cooperation of Iran, Russia and China and Eurasian Security

Document Type : Original Article

Author

University of Tehran

10.22059/jices.2024.368921.1060

Abstract

At the onset of the 21st century, the international political arena has witnessed unprecedented chaos, marked by escalating competition among major powers and a challenging quest for consensus on the global order. Regionally, both state and non-state actors have increasingly challenged traditional security paradigms, while the emergence of failed states and quasi-governments has added a bitter layer of complexity. Across the Eurasian region, a complex interplay of global, regional, and internal rivalries has created a volatile security landscape for countries like Iran, Russia, and China, spanning from East Asia to Eurasia and West Asia. In light of these intricate dynamics, a central query emerges: how have these three nations responded to evolving international and regional trends, and is a strategic alliance against the United States a plausible outcome? The prevailing argument posits that these states are likely to enhance their cooperation progressively, aimed at bolstering regional stability, fostering economic development in the Eurasian domain, and mitigating American interference. Yet, divergent stances on global issues may curtail the prospects of a full-fledged strategic coalition. To delve into this hypothesis, this research employs a qualitative content analysis methodology, delving into a plethora of sources including articles, reports, books, and official websites from research centers within the three countries. The study first scrutinizes the spheres of collaboration existing among Iran, Russia, and China, before appraising the opportunities and constraints that may hinder their cooperation. Ultimately, the research aims to elucidate novel pathways and future prospects for the trilateral relationship in the Eurasian context.

Keywords