Publication

This commentary discusses the logic behind the Russian opposition to a Western intervention in Syria. It argues that Russia defends Syria because it is determined to play a role in world politics, even if the only role that it can play is a negative one. Russia also wants to maintain its position as an arms supplier, Syria is its only client state in the Middle East, and the Putin regime uses resistance to supposed Western pressure to shore up support at home. The author concludes that hopes for Russian cooperation in Syria are a product of the misconceived “reset” policy.