Russia’s military intervention into Syria in 2015 marked a significant return of Russian power and influence in the Middle East. This article provides a historical context for understanding Russian interests in the region and the elements of continuity and change from the Soviet and Tsarist Russian periods. It assesses the current state of Russia’s relations with the major regional states and how Russian power and influence compares with other key external actors, such as the United States, Europe and China.

Roland Dannreuther is Professor of International Relations at the University of Westminster. His research interests include international security studies, energy politics and the regional and foreign policy of Russia, the Middle East and Central Asia.