Russia and Iran
Partners in Defiance from Syria to Ukraine
Format:Hardback
Publisher:C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd
Published:30th Apr '26
Should be back in stock very soon
‘Grajewski, an international relations scholar, offers a relentlessly detailed account of the recent rapprochement between Russia and Iran.’ — Foreign Affairs
‘One of the few specialists equally versed in both countries … [she] provides valuable details.’ — Frankfurter Allgemeiner
Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has cast a spotlight on Russia’s partnership with Iran. Moscow looked to Tehran for drones and ammunition to fuel its so-called ‘special military operation’, and Iran’s support for Russia’s war reflected a decade-long strengthening of Russo-Iranian ties, beginning with the 2011 outbreak of the Syrian Civil War.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.
- Fluent in both Russian and Persian and with access to elites from both countries, Dr. Nicole Grajewski provides the definitive account on contemporary Russia–Iran relations.
- A timely look at a dangerous partnership with global repercussions
- Charts the evolution of the Russia–Iran relationship in the twenty- first century, from tenuous alignment to robust partnership. <
‘Grajewski, an international relations scholar, offers a relentlessly detailed account of the recent rapprochement between Russia and Iran.’
* Foreign Affairs *'One of the few specialists equally versed in both countries ... [she] provides valuable details.'
* Frankfurter Allgemeiner *‘Russia and Iran is an excellent guide for policymakers, analysts, scholars, students, and anyone else seeking to understand the complex and evolving relationship between Moscow and Tehran.’
* Middle East Journal *‘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‘Grajewski brilliantly dissects the history and anti-Western imperative of the “partnership of defiance” between Russia and Iran. Meticulous research enriches this unique and incredibly timely exposition of how historical grievances were overcome by the confluence of interests. 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‘A deeply insightful and fascinating account charting the Russian partnership with Iran, its history and its role in shaping geopolitical developments in the Middle East, and beyond.’
-- Michael Kofman, Senior Fellow, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace‘What makes this book particularly authoritative is the author’s facility with both Russian- and Persian-language sources, as well as her nuanced understanding of how each side has viewed the other. The result is a highly detailed, yet eminently readable study. . . an excellent guide.’
‘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 UniversityISBN: 9781911723738
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
368 pages