International Quarterly of Foreign Relations

International Quarterly of Foreign Relations

Energy diplomacy and Russian Regional Balance Strategy in the Middle East

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Assistant Professor of International Relations at National Defense University.
Abstract
Notwithstanding absence of prominence in Soviet epoch, Middle East turned to be geopolitically weighty in Russian perspective predominantly during Islamic Awaking developments. Due to evocative geographical immediacy, Middle East regional balance of power as Russian intervention in Syrian crisis elucidates is a top priority for the country. Looking for an amended soft power in the region, through energy diplomacy Russia sets such an end. How Russia play as regional balancer in the region through energy diplomacy, the article by putting on qualitative case study seeks to illuminate among Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Israel. Hypothesis chosen is, Russia cooperates with the states to set a bed for the more political and economic influence as well as improving and upgrading the position against west in the world energy markets. Investment in Iranian energy sector, OPEC+ deal with Saudi Arabia, pipeline diplomacy in turkey and oil export to Israel are few among many Russian energy diplomacy balancing behaviors in the Middle East.
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