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Russia’s declining influence

01/03/2013 09:46 By ANNA GEIFMAN AND YURI TEPER

Being a mighty political force is an essential part of traditional Russian self-perception. But to a large degree, the Russians are frustrated over their inability to affect Middle East regional politics.

Photo by: REUTERS

Russian involvement in the Middle East is currently nothing more than an attempt by Moscow to hold onto its deteriorating position on the international stage. Russia’s support of the Assad regime in Syria has hurt its image and weakened its influence in other Arab countries. Although it will not be able to provide financial assistance, Russia may try to fill a vacuum should the US scale back its ties to the new Islamist governments in the region.

Since his ascent to power, Russian President Vladimir Putin has been eager to regain Russia’s previous influence in the Middle East. Being a mighty political force is an essential part of traditional Russian self-perception and is a cornerstone of Putin’s public mobilization strategy. Russia wants to have a say in the Middle East, as would any aspiring great power. Yet, Moscow’s assertive stance and militant rhetoric should not be misinterpreted; to a large degree, the Russians conceal impotence and frustration, results of its de facto inability to affect regional politics. The latest events of the Arab Spring, which have yielded power to various Islamist groups in the Middle East, only heighten this situation.

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Russia’s declining influence

Being a mighty political force is an essential part of traditional Russian self-perception. But to a large degree, the Russians are frustrated over their inability to affect Middle East regional politics.

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