The world is focused on the war in Gaza but Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have other things on their mind.
During a meeting on the sidelines of the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, the two leaders discussed the conflict in the Middle East along with other issues.
Seeking "a fairer, multi-polar world," Putin and Xi would like to see American influence diminished and a stronger Russian and Chinese presence on the world stage. It is easy to get caught up in the political and diplomatic minutiae of each country or region, but when zooming out, it is easier to understand what is happening globally.
In the 1980s, Iran's Islamic regime, led by Ayatollah Khomeini, maintained a cautious distance from the Soviet Union, which was a major global power during that period. The Iranian leadership, while ideologically opposed to Western influences and imperialism, did not align closely with the Soviet Union's communist ideology. Instead, Iran pursued a path of non-alignment in the Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union.
However, as the 1990s dawned and the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Iran began to explore opportunities for collaboration with Russia. This shift was driven by several factors.
First, Iran sought Russian support for its defense and technological programs, recognizing that Russia had significant expertise and resources in these areas. Iran's desire for advanced military capabilities and technological advancements drove it to establish a closer relationship with Russia during this period.
One notable example of this collaboration is Iran's acquisition of Russian military hardware and technology. Iran purchased weapons and military equipment from Russia to modernize its armed forces and enhance its defense capabilities.
This strategic partnership allowed Iran to access Russian military expertise and equipment, which it had previously been unable to obtain due to Cold War dynamics.
Furthermore, Iran's growing technological ambitions, including its pursuit of a space program and nuclear capabilities, led to increased engagement with Russia. Russia provided crucial assistance and expertise to Iran in these areas, helping it make progress in its technological endeavors.
In a more contemporary context, it is worth noting that the relationship between Iran and Russia has evolved further. Iran has become a supplier of drones to Russia, showcasing the multifaceted nature of their cooperation. This demonstrates Iran's growing capabilities in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and its willingness to collaborate with Russia on various military and technological fronts.
Moreover, Russia played a pivotal role in the Iran nuclear deal of 2015, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). As one of the P5+1 countries (along with the United States, China, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany), Russia was actively involved in negotiating and implementing the agreement. The JCPOA aimed to curb Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, and Russia's diplomatic efforts were instrumental in reaching this historic accord. This demonstrates the significant diplomatic role that Russia has played in shaping Iran's international relations and nuclear policy.
The current geopolitical landscape is experiencing a pivotal transformation, marked by a delicate and high-stakes standoff among the world's major powers. This emerging global dynamic, often dubbed as "The New Cold War," draws intriguing parallels to the ideological conflict that dominated the 20th century.
However, it is imperative to recognize that while echoes of the past are discernible, this contemporary struggle differs significantly from its historical predecessor. The ongoing contest is not a mere reiteration of the old Cold War but rather a multifaceted and intricate conflict that mirrors the profound changes that have shaped the global stage.
In contrast to the original Cold War, which was characterized by a bipolar confrontation between two dominant superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union, the New Cold War unfolds in a landscape featuring a more diverse cast of influential players.
The ascent of China as a formidable global player, coupled with Russia's resurgence under Putin's leadership, has ushered in an era of multipolarity. This multipolar world order challenges the United States by presenting multiple formidable adversaries on the international stage.
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