ABSTRACT
The chapter argues that in order to understand the formation of Russian foreign policy towards Syria since 2011, two blocks of factors should be analysed. First, the foundation of such policies lies in the historical relationship between the two countries. Second, a number of factors related to Russia’s recent domestic socio-economic and political situation, as well as foreign policy goals, should be seen as crucial in their development. The chapter argues that during the first years following the Uprising factors related to Russian domestic interests played a central role, while in the later years foreign policy considerations came more to the fore. First, the chapter briefly discusses Russian–Syrian relations until the fall of the Soviet Union. Second, the state of relations between the two countries on the eve of the Syrian Uprising, including the main Russian economic, socio-political and strategic interests, are examined. Third, domestic factors influencing policy formation, such as public opinion, Putin’s legitimacy and security considerations, are discussed. Fourth, the influence of foreign policy goals in relation to Syria are examined—such as the return of Russia to the international stage as a great power and isolation of the country related to Crimea, among others. Finally, some conclusions are made.
