Publication

This article looks at Russia's role in strengthening non-proliferation measures in the Middle East, with a specific focus on Iran and Syria. Russia regularly appears isolated over its divergence from the official stance of Western nations. The paper argues that economic interests clearly factor into Russia’s decision-making in the Middle East, but are not the primary influence. Rather, Russia’s long-term goals in the region are more closely oriented towards security and the maintenance of stability, based upon the rule of law and respect for sovereignty.