Russia’s Geostrategic Engagements in the Middle East: Implications for the US

Abstract

This article aims to assess Russia’s geostrategic engagements in the Middle East
following the post Arab- Spring period. The Arab Spring has reshaped Middle East's
geopolitics by engaging the leading world powers including Russia in the region's
developments, both directly and indirectly. In this regard, this study seeks to assess
Russia’s strategic engagements since the Arab Spring in the Middle East has implications
for the US in the region. The United States already maintains a strong presence in the
region, which may be viewed as contradictory, given the interests of global powers. In
the Middle East, relations among the regional powers continue to dominate global
concerns about security. A power transition amongst the regional players is now
underway from which new power centres are emerging. These emerging powers are
testing regional geopolitical realities to assert themselves in the region. An in-depth
analysis of the conflict also underscores implications for the US keeping in view Russia's
geostrategic engagements in the Middle East.