P5+1: Negotiations on Iran’s Uranium Enrichment Program
Russia continues to demonstrate its political authority in international relations with little sign of relenting in its role to polarize the West from the rest. The manufactured crisis in Ukraine positions Russia as the charitable nation for ceding any control in eastern Ukraine, despite its role in orchestrating the crisis, not to mention its annexation of Crimea. In 2013 Russia acquired international recognition for beating back US threats of air strikes in Syria by convincing its Middle East ally to agree to terms to destroy its chemical weapons stockpile. And just this week it is playing the role of peacekeeper in the imminent nuclear deal that will see Iran agree to terms with the P5+1 nations to limit its uranium enrichment program, in exchange for relief from sanctions.
In each of these contexts Russia is protecting its bilateral interests as much as it is advancing its geopolitical role as a David to the west’s Goliath. Its ties to Ukraine are deep, with large swathes of eastern Ukraine speaking Russian and identifying more with the policies of Moscow than Kiev. Russia’s lone Mediterranean naval outpost is located in Syria’s port city of Tartus, and therefore any threats to Syria pose a threat to Russia. In regards to Iran, the two countries have a long history of bilateral ties bolstered by economic ties through trade and resources, and a shared interest to limit the influence of the US in Central Asia.
Russia’s most recent attempt to play international peacekeeper surfaced last week as depicted in an article posted in The Economist magazine. Entitled, “Iran’s Nuclear Programme: The Last Mile,” provides an update and interpretation of the P5+1 talks with a looming deadline of November 24, 2014, to make pointed progress on curbing Iran’s enrichment of uranium.
Following stalled talks in Oman, Russia and Iran announced an agreement to build eight new reactors and two different sites in Iran. The aim seems to serve as a compromise on the number of uranium enrichment centrifuges to remain in Iran. By selling its stockpile of low enrichment uranium (or a large portion of it) to Russia, this significantly curtails its capabilities to build a bomb. With affirmation from Russia that these conditions be met, Iran would seek to lift sanctions that have recently crippled its economy. Politicking has ensued led by Israel’s Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, who claims that any deal with Iran is a bad deal. The recent mid-term elections in the US have also limited the momentum of the democrats, although Obama has the jurisdiction to lift sanctions, for example, through his executive powers. Considering the frostiness between Obama and Netanyahu, a deal between Iran and the P5+1 looks promising. News is forthcoming – the deadline of November 24, 2014 is less than one week away.
For Russia, this is a win-win. As noted in the article, they stand to earn money from this deal as they will aid in building up sites in Iran for this continued enrichment of uranium. Overall, it strengthens economic ties between Iran and Russia. In the broader context as related to international relations, there are multiple issues at play.
For one, Russia again positions itself as the resolver of diplomatic tensions. The sanctions that have crippled Iran’s economy, if overturned, will no doubt lead to economic gains for the country. If and when Iran’s economy turns around, Russia will earn further recognition for its diplomatic efforts.
In another context, it has also acted as the main figure in avoiding military intervention. The rhetoric from Israel, and the US earlier this year, were pointing to strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Like the case of Syria, Russia has prevented war of any kind.
In combination these efforts are a reflection of Russia’s power in international relations. In the 21st century it is interesting to note that power can be demonstrated through strategic diplomacy with the effects of a positive reception from all those involved (with the exception of Israel). At the same time, Russia has little interest in softening its position of the west as having imperialist tendencies. By positioning itself as increasingly diplomatically abled in comparison to the west – at least on some accounts – it adds to its legitimacy as a global power. This is more an act of sustaining itself as distinct from the west and it gains from presenting itself as a polarizing figure. In this sense a new Cold War may be brewing, whereby nations curry favor among world powers with distinct worldviews and strategic interests.
Works Cited
"Iran’s Nuclear Programme: The Last Mile." The Economist 14 November 2014: 82. Print.
