Putin's Foreign Policy in the Middle East and North Africa: A Strategic Analysis

Russian President Vladimir Putin has played a significant role in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region over the past two decades. His foreign policy has been characterized by a mix of pragmatism, opportunism, and a desire to restore Russia's global influence.

This article will provide an in-depth analysis of Putin's foreign policy in the MENA region, examining its key objectives, strategies, and implications. By understanding Putin's approach to the region, we can gain valuable insights into Russia's role in global affairs and its potential impact on the future of the MENA region.

Putin's foreign policy in the MENA region is guided by several key objectives, including:

Russia Rising: Putin's Foreign Policy in the Middle East and North Africa

by Dimitar Bechev

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• Expanding Russian Influence: Russia seeks to expand its sphere of influence in the MENA region by building strategic partnerships with key regional actors. This includes providing military support, economic assistance, and political backing to regimes aligned with Russian interests.
• Protecting Russian Interests: Russia is keen on protecting its national interests in the region, which include access to energy resources, trade opportunities, and military bases. Moscow has deployed military personnel and equipment in several MENA countries to secure its interests.
• Countering Western Influence: Putin views Russia as a counterbalance to Western influence in the MENA region. He has sought to build alliances with countries that oppose Western policies, such as Iran, Syria, and Turkey.
• Promoting Regional Stability: Russia recognizes the importance of regional stability for its own security. Moscow has played a mediating role in several regional conflicts, including the Syrian civil war and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

To achieve its objectives, Putin has employed a variety of strategies in the MENA region, including:

• Military Intervention: Russia has played a significant military role in the MENA region, particularly in Syria. Moscow's military intervention in Syria in 2015 turned the tide of the civil war in favor of President Bashar al-Assad and established Russia as a major player in the region.
• Diplomatic Outreach: Putin has engaged in extensive diplomatic outreach to build strategic partnerships with key MENA leaders. He has met with numerous regional leaders, including the presidents of Iran, Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.
• Economic Cooperation: Russia has expanded its economic ties with MENA countries through trade, investment, and energy deals. Moscow has become a major supplier of arms, energy, and infrastructure to several regional countries.
• Information Warfare: Russia has used information warfare techniques to shape public opinion in the MENA region and undermine Western influence. Moscow has established media outlets and social media platforms that promote Russian perspectives.

Putin's foreign policy in the MENA region has had several significant implications:

• Increased Russian Influence: Russia has emerged as a major player in the MENA region, challenging the traditional dominance of the United States. Moscow's military presence, strategic partnerships, and economic ties have given it a significant say in regional affairs.
• Regional Polarization: Putin's policy of balancing between different regional powers has contributed to regional polarization. Russia's support for Iran and Syria has alienated some Sunni Arab states, while its rapprochement with Turkey has raised concerns among its NATO allies.
• Challenges to Western Influence: Putin's foreign policy has posed challenges to Western influence in the MENA region. Moscow's military presence in Syria, its support for anti-Western regimes, and its information warfare efforts have undermined Western efforts to promote democracy and human rights in the region.
• Potential for Conflict: Russia's increased involvement in the MENA region has raised the risk of conflict. Moscow's military intervention in Syria and its support for Iran's nuclear program have heightened tensions with the United States and Israel.

Putin's foreign policy in the MENA region has been a complex and multifaceted endeavor. Guided by a mix of pragmatism, opportunism, and a desire to restore Russia's global influence, Moscow has pursued a strategy of military intervention, diplomatic outreach, economic cooperation, and information warfare.

Putin's foreign policy has had a significant impact on the geopolitical landscape of the MENA region, increasing

Russia Rising: Putin's Foreign Policy in the Middle East and North Africa

by Dimitar Bechev

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1950 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	225 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE