The Russian Foreign Policy in the Middle East. Continuity or Change?

Abstract

The USSR and Russia´s foreign policy towards the Middle East in the last century has been one of continuity. Time changes and influences by several internal and external factors have hardly altered the main features of such a policy. Russia’s foreign policy has been developed mainly in response to the US’s policy in the region rather than being an attempt to consolidate its own and a more coherent policy. However, the situation after the 2011 uprisings or Arab springs, as well as the Syrian conflict has allowed Russia to recover a more active presence in the region in political and military terms, obtaining significant economic and commercial gains. Russia’s limited intervention in Syria has consolidated its position as a key strategic player winning considerable political and diplomatic benefits.