Geopolitics and Russia’s Policy in Syria: Via Realism Perspective

Abstract

Russia exposed and expanded its profound, interests towards Syria during an acute crisis. It reemerged as one of the leading global power in world politics which is evident from its major role in
the Syrian war since the Arab Spring. The dynamic contribution of Russia in the Syrian crisis paved
the way for Russia to engage itself in the complex politics of the Middle East and pose a great
challenge to the United States. The major cause of Russian intervention in Syria is its security and
political interests because Syria has been its strong ally in the Middle East since the Cold War.
Owing to its firm stance to stay in the Middle East, Russia established a strong relationship with the
Syrian regime, and they both also signed security agreements. The purpose of this paper is to
evaluate the Russian policy in Syria through the realist perspective and to explain how Russia has
shifted its foreign policy in the Middle East vis-à-vis the United States.