Struggle for Alliance - (Middle East Institute Policy) by Abdolrasool Divsallar (Hardcover)

About the Book

"This book analyzes Russo-Iranian relations from the perspective of the emerging literature on authoritarian regionalism, exploring the role domestic politics and common threat perceptions play in these states' decisions to adjust to the systemic changes caused by the war in Ukraine. Chapters address how changes in the strategic environment are affecting Moscow and Tehran's perception of each other, what factors contribute the most to both states' decision to pursue greater cooperation and how they manage the new conflicts of interest raised by the war"--

Book Synopsis

This book provides a comprehensive study of the complex impacts of the war in Ukraine on Russo-Iranian relations, and the resulting consequences for the international relations of the Middle East. In contrast to dominant academic approaches, which view Russo-Iranian relations through the lens of an anti-hegemonic agenda and confrontation with the US-led international order, this study presents an alternative angle stating that the war in Ukraine has sped up Moscow and Tehran's interdependency, primarily because of the protective benefits that it brings to both states.

The book analyzes various debates about the impact of the war on Russo-Iranian relations. From the perspective of the emerging literature on authoritarian regionalism, the book explores how domestic politics and common threat perceptions play a role in these states' decisions to adjust to the systemic changes caused by the war. Chapters address how changes in the strategic environment are affecting Moscow and Tehran's perception of each other, what factors contribute the most to both states' decision to pursue greater cooperation and how they manage the new conflicts of interest raised by the war. The book also queries whether relations continue to be based on tactical partnership, or whether a stronger alliance between Moscow and Tehran is unfolding, and what the consequences of such a struggle for alliance will be for the wider region.

Review Quotes

In this collection of analytically rich essays by some of the most prominent scholars and commentators, Divsallar has managed to produce one of the most informative and insightful volumes on how Russia's aggression against Ukraine has affected Russo-Iranian relations, and how the Islamic Republic has reacted to the challenges and opportunities presented by Russia's military (mis)adventure in Ukraine. Divsallar's hand as editor in framing the debate shines through the rich discussion in every chapter of this excellent volume. A real privilege to have been one of handful of people to have had the opportunity to read this volume before it went to press. This is a first class book on a complex and internationally-significant partnership.
Anoush Ehteshami, Professor, Durham University, UK

This collective volumeprovides a comprehensive analysis of how Moscow and Tehran's perception of each other changed by the war in Ukraine. Through detailed examinations of current Russian and Iranian economic relations, cooperation in the military, energy and nuclear sectors as well as in-depth studies of historical and ideological discourses, the chapters shed light on the ongoing formation of a new authoritarian alliance between Russia and Iran. This book is essential reading for all those interested in contemporary Russia and Iran and the emerging landscape of world order caused by the war in Ukraine.
Maria Engström, Professor, Uppsala University, Sweden

This is a timely book on a subject of growing interest for academics and policymakers. The nexus between Iran and Russia has played an important role in conflicts in Syria and Ukraine and more broadly the emergence of a Eurasion corridor. Yet the nature of this alliance remains opaque. The essays in this book provide deep insight into how this alliance is viewed in Moscow and Tehran, what accounts for its rise and whether it will prove resilient.
Vali Nasr, Professor, Johns Hopkins University, USA

About the Author

Abdolrasool Divsallar is a Visiting Professor at the Universita' Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan, Italy, and a senior researcher at the UN Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR). He is also a Non-Resident Scholar at the Middle East Institute in Washington D.C, USA. He co-founded and led the Regional Security Initiative at the European University Institute from 2020-22. Dr. Divsallar's focus and interests include Russia-Iran relations, military strategies in the Persian Gulf, Iran's military and foreign affairs, regional security reform, non-proliferation issues, and security assistance. He has written and edited eight books, including Stepping Away From the Abyss: A Gradual Approach Towards a New Security System in the Persian Gulf (2021), and has published numerous peer review journal articles.