Al-Rafidain Center for Dialogue (RCD) has announced the release of a new book titled Russia Rising: Putin's Foreign Policy in the Middle East and North Africa.

Edited by Dimitar Bechev, Nicu Popescu, and Stanislav Secrieru, the volume has been translated by RCD’s Research and Development Department.

The book critically examines how Russia has managed its engagement with ISIS, crafting narratives that glorify its own role while placing full blame for terrorism on alleged Western support. The authors argue that this narrative strategy simplifies the complexities of the Syrian war to serve Moscow's interests.

Additionally, the book provides a detailed report on Russia's ties with Israel, highlighting the strength of their connection despite sharp political disagreements.

Spanning multiple sections, the book covers a wide range of geopolitical topics:

·        Historical Shift: Russia's evolution from the Soviet Union to Putin's era.

·        Military Power: The Russian military presence in Syria and the role of arms exports.

·        Diplomacy: The use of Energy Diplomacy as a tool of statecraft.

·        Regional Alliances: An analysis of relations with the "Axis of Resistance," Turkey, and the Arab Gulf states.

This publication is part of RCD’s ongoing commitment to printing and distributing high-quality, rigorous academic research. By supporting scientific, intellectual, and cultural efforts in the country, the Center aims to provide deep insights into the shifting power dynamics of the Middle East.

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