Strategic Studies Quarterly

Abstract Russia has used hybrid warfare more than ever in recent years to achieve its goals in relation to European countries. The main question of this article is: "What is Russia's goal in using hybrid warfare in relation to European countries and what tools and methods has it used in this regard?" In response to this question, the author hypothesizes that "Russia's main goal is to return to the position of a superpower and change the balance in its favor in relations with the West." Because this goal can no longer be achieved through traditional and symmetrical warfare, Moscow is embracing the new generation of warfare, hybrid warfare, using a variety of tools such as cyberattacks, spreading false news, supporting networks of corruption and economic pressure, Interfering in European elections and forming a network of political allies in European countries, supporting separatism in Europe and the use of opposition groups and organizations.

Abstract The purpose of this article is to study the concepts of balance and stability in Russia's Middle East policy and the resulting threats and benefits for Iran. In the author's view, Moscow believes that establishing balance and strategic stability at two levels could help secure its long-term interests, given its limited resources and regional dynamics, particularly the potential of regional instability and threats spilling over fast to adjacent areas and the international stage. Balancing relations with the United States and contributing to efforts aimed at forging balanced relations between regional powers are the two principles of balance at the regional level that Russia is following to achieve its major aim of ensuring strategic stability. Although cooperation with the United States as part of Russia's macro policy of balance and stability within the framework of global governance creates certain restrictions for Iran, some aspects of it, including the deterrence it provides against destabilizing moves by the United States and its allies, are in line with Tehran's interests.
 
 

Abstract   Russia has been taking a position against military interventions in other countries and has been supporter of territorial integrity of the sovereign states, now the question is that which interests have let the country to initiate a military operation in Syria. The authors have chosen the following reasons to illustrate the new Russian policy in this regard: the Russian Federation needs to prove itself as a very powerful actor in its own security environment; the Syria, Iran, Iraq and Lebanon Hezbollah axis should be supported at the regional level; and finally the extremist Islamic groups activities in Northern Caucasia should be prevented.  

Abstract During the Ex- USSR, any foreign policy either for or against theUSA, has had a direct effect on the kind of behavior of elites and political groups in theUSSR. This frequent effect has been inevitably transmitted to the postUSSRera and still has similar effect. During the Yeltsin's era given various disorders in this country, this effect appeared in the shape of distinct periods of interaction and antagonism. However, during the Putin's era, especially in his second term of office, theUSAwas introduced as the main obstacle in revival of theRussian Federationand therefore the anti-US policies were escalated to the much possible extent. Thus in the aftermath of experiencing failed convergence with theUSAwithin the framework of pragmatic conservatism and then within the pragmatic offensive framework, the approach of "direct resistance" against theUSAwas adopted. Focusing on the Putin's era, the author of this paper intends to discuss the nature of these trends.