Russia and Iran
Partners in Defiance from Syria to Ukraine
Charts the evolution of the Russia–Iran relationship in the twenty-first century, from tenuous alignment to robust partnership.
Description
Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has cast a spotlight on Russia’s burgeoning
Despite a relationship historically marred by mistrust and unmet expectations, the two regimes have worked together to promote their common interests in Syria, where battlefield coordination soon developed into much deeper political alignment. Drawing on extensive Russian and Persian primary sources, and interviews with elites from both countries, Nicole Grajewski uncovers the drivers of ever-closer cooperation between the Kremlin and the Islamic Republic. Detailing the internal structures, shared anxieties and broader ambitions underpinning this alignment, she explores the genesis of Russia and Iran’s mutual antagonism towards the Western-led global order; the impact of deep-seated leadership concerns over regime security and domestic protests; and the future trajectory of the partnership within the larger world order.
Examining both military dynamics and economic endeavours, as well as elaborate sanctions evasion schemes and collaboration within international organisations, this is the definitive account of contemporary Russia–Iran relations.
Reviews
‘Nicole Grajewski brilliantly dissects the history and anti-Western imperative of the “partnership of defiance” of Russia and Iran. Meticulous research by this nuclear and geopolitical scholar (including direct sources in Russian and Farsi) enriches this unique (and incredibly timely) exposition of how historical grievances were overcome by the confluence of interest in supporting Assad’s Syria as well as the shared need to protect repressive regimes at home. This a major contribution to international affairs and the study of illiberal regimes.’ — Laura Kennedy, former Ambassador to the Conference on Disarmament and Head of the US Mission in Vienna where she served as the US Governor on the Board of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State
‘A deeply insightful and fascinating account charting the Russian partnership with Iran, its history and role in shaping geopolitical developments in the Middle East, and beyond.’ — Michael Kofman, Senior Fellow, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
‘A thorough analysis of the evolution of the Russia–Iran partnership. Underpinned by historical context and detailed examination of recent geopolitical events, it provides a fresh understanding of this relationship. Compelling and well supported by evidence, Grajewski’s arguments go beyond a mere descriptive account to critically assess the broader consequences of these ties.’ — Hamidreza Azizi, Visiting Fellow, German Institute for International and Security Affairs
‘A very important book. Grajewski’s ability to work with both Russian and Farsi sources is especially impressive, and gives Russia and Iran greater authority than books written by other authors.’ — Mark N. Katz, Professor Emeritus of Government and Politics, George Mason University
Author(s)
Nicole Grajewski (PhD) is an Assistant Professor at the Center for International Studies at Sciences Po in Paris. She is also a nonresident scholar with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace's Nuclear Policy Program and an associate with the Project on Managing the Atom at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
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