Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
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Published
December 7, 2023
The Gaza War Has Convinced Russia It Was Right All Along
Liberal
Commentary
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Ukraine-Russia War
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Summary
- Carnegie Endowment expert Nikita Smagin writes that the Gaza conflict has reinforced Russia's belief in the correctness of its foreign policy approach, particularly in relation to the Western-centric international system.
- Russia views the conflict as an opportunity to further its geopolitical interests, especially amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Overview:
This article was written by Nikita Smagin, offering a comprehensive analysis of Russia's foreign policy in light of the Gaza War.
- The Gaza conflict has reinforced Russia's belief in the correctness of its foreign policy approach, particularly in relation to the Western-centric international system.
- Russia views the conflict as an opportunity to further its geopolitical interests, especially amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Key Quotes:
- "The conflict in the Middle East is the perfect crisis for Russia, which is reaping a whole host of political benefits."
- "Moscow’s bet on the disintegration of a Western-oriented international order appears to be paying off."
What They Discuss:
- The article discusses how the Gaza War has led to a resurgence of internal Western disagreements, particularly in Europe's stance towards Israel.
- It highlights societal divisions and discontent among U.S. officials regarding America's pro-Israel stance.
- The piece notes the impact of the Gaza conflict on shifting international focus away from the Ukraine war.
- Smagin addresses the perceived hypocrisy in the West's approach to conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, affecting its credibility in the Global South.
- The article examines Russia's cautious stance in the Middle East, balancing its interests with Iran and its position on Israel.
What They Recommend:
- The author suggests that Russia will likely remain a passive actor in the Israel-Hamas conflict, avoiding direct involvement.
- Russia will likely maintain a balance in its Middle East policy, considering public opinion and its international relationships.
Key Takeaways:
- The Gaza War has solidified Russia's belief in its foreign policy direction, emphasizing state interests over moral or ideological considerations.
- Russia's approach to the conflict illustrates its strategic use of international crises to advance its geopolitical agenda.
- The conflict has exposed and possibly widened rifts within Western alliances, offering Russia potential strategic advantages.
This is a brief overview of Nikita Smagin's work from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. For complete insights, we recommend reading the full article.
Original Read Time
9 min
Organization
The Brookings Institution
Category
Israel-Gaza War
Political Ideology
Center Left