Russia's foreign and security policy in Syria: historical relations, Cold War paradigms, and contemporary geopolitics

IntroductionThis paper examines Russia's diplomatic and security strategy in Syria, placing its engagement in the larger framework of Cold War history and Russian-Syrian ties. The study clarifies how Russia's strategic objectives in the region, especially in connection to its “near abroad”...

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Main Author: Raquel Jorge Trujillo
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-02-01
Series:Frontiers in Political Science
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpos.2025.1489285/full
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author Raquel Jorge Trujillo
author_facet Raquel Jorge Trujillo
author_sort Raquel Jorge Trujillo
collection DOAJ
description IntroductionThis paper examines Russia's diplomatic and security strategy in Syria, placing its engagement in the larger framework of Cold War history and Russian-Syrian ties. The study clarifies how Russia's strategic objectives in the region, especially in connection to its “near abroad” policy, have been molded by the complex historical relationships between Moscow and Damascus.MethodsThe methodology consists in a qualitative approach, applying the security matrix model to the Russian foreign policy in Syria. From a comparative approach, the study draws attention to the similarities between Russia's military activities in Syria and Ukraine, illuminating the intricate relationship between intervention and sovereignty in both situations. The article also critically evaluates how the Kremlin has framed its engagement in Syria as a counterterrorism measure, arguing that this narrative helps to justify its actions both at home and abroad.Results and discussionBy highlighting the connections between historical background, security strategy, and current geopolitical dynamics, the study's findings show that the intervention in Syria is anchored in a deeply rooted policy in Russia, elaborated on a Cold War heritage towards the U.S. and on new concepts of multi-polarity. The study ultimately aims to offer a deeper explanation of Russia's motives in Syria. The paper adds to the discussion of Russian foreign policy and its effects on international relations and regional stability by using this perspective.
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spelling doaj-art-90b4ca6ab7a34ce2bf5add714824ff282025-08-20T03:01:14ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Political Science2673-31452025-02-01710.3389/fpos.2025.14892851489285Russia's foreign and security policy in Syria: historical relations, Cold War paradigms, and contemporary geopoliticsRaquel Jorge TrujilloIntroductionThis paper examines Russia's diplomatic and security strategy in Syria, placing its engagement in the larger framework of Cold War history and Russian-Syrian ties. The study clarifies how Russia's strategic objectives in the region, especially in connection to its “near abroad” policy, have been molded by the complex historical relationships between Moscow and Damascus.MethodsThe methodology consists in a qualitative approach, applying the security matrix model to the Russian foreign policy in Syria. From a comparative approach, the study draws attention to the similarities between Russia's military activities in Syria and Ukraine, illuminating the intricate relationship between intervention and sovereignty in both situations. The article also critically evaluates how the Kremlin has framed its engagement in Syria as a counterterrorism measure, arguing that this narrative helps to justify its actions both at home and abroad.Results and discussionBy highlighting the connections between historical background, security strategy, and current geopolitical dynamics, the study's findings show that the intervention in Syria is anchored in a deeply rooted policy in Russia, elaborated on a Cold War heritage towards the U.S. and on new concepts of multi-polarity. The study ultimately aims to offer a deeper explanation of Russia's motives in Syria. The paper adds to the discussion of Russian foreign policy and its effects on international relations and regional stability by using this perspective.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpos.2025.1489285/fullRussiaSyriasecuritynear abroad policyCold Warterrorism response
spellingShingle Raquel Jorge Trujillo
Russia's foreign and security policy in Syria: historical relations, Cold War paradigms, and contemporary geopolitics
Frontiers in Political Science
Russia
Syria
security
near abroad policy
Cold War
terrorism response
title Russia's foreign and security policy in Syria: historical relations, Cold War paradigms, and contemporary geopolitics
title_full Russia's foreign and security policy in Syria: historical relations, Cold War paradigms, and contemporary geopolitics
title_fullStr Russia's foreign and security policy in Syria: historical relations, Cold War paradigms, and contemporary geopolitics
title_full_unstemmed Russia's foreign and security policy in Syria: historical relations, Cold War paradigms, and contemporary geopolitics
title_short Russia's foreign and security policy in Syria: historical relations, Cold War paradigms, and contemporary geopolitics
title_sort russia s foreign and security policy in syria historical relations cold war paradigms and contemporary geopolitics
topic Russia
Syria
security
near abroad policy
Cold War
terrorism response
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpos.2025.1489285/full
work_keys_str_mv AT raqueljorgetrujillo russiasforeignandsecuritypolicyinsyriahistoricalrelationscoldwarparadigmsandcontemporarygeopolitics