‍Central Asia and The Caucasus Journal

Relations between the Russian Federation and European Populist far-right Parties; Roots and Consequences

Elaheh Kolaee; Ali Reza Samoudi pilehroud

Volume 26, Issue 110 , September 2021, , Pages 173-201

https://doi.org/DOR:20.1001.1.23223766.1399.26.2.6.7

Abstract

Although after the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991 and its weakening in the international arena, relations between Russia and the West did not face much tension, and even ... Read More Although after the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991 and its weakening in the international arena, relations between Russia and the West did not face much tension, and even cooperation between the two sides was established, gradually, and especially when Putin took office, Russian-Western relations have been strained. The turning point in changing Russians' view on the West was in 2004, when a series of color revolutions took place in the former Soviet republics. To Moscow, color revolutions were carried out with the help of the West or the US with the aim of creating a color revolution in Russia itself. For the Russian ruling elites, these actions marked the end of the cooperation between the mainstream politicians in the West and Russia, and an important moment in turning Russia's look away from the West and intensifying anti-Western sentiment in Russia. Since then, Russia sought to cement its position in the international system and weaken Western structures, especially the EU. To strengthen its influence in Europe, Moscow uses various tools to weaken the EU. In recent years, Russia has managed to promote Russophilia and Euroscepticism, that are two sides of the same coin. Russia's policy is attractive to parties and countries which see themselves as victims of the European Union. Russia hopes that the rise of right-wing parties in European countries will weaken liberal democracy structures. In recent years, challenging the security structures in the West and undermining the cohesion of the EU, have been the central goal of Russia's foreign policy. The main question is that "what are the main aims of Russia in strengthening its relations with European far right parties?" The hypothesis is that "Russia's main foreign policy is to challenge the Western security structures and Moscow hopes the rise of right-wing parties in European countries will undermine the Western liberal narrative and weaken the liberal democracy structure especially the EUs’". Using explanatory- analytical research method, the author attempts to find an answer to the article's question.

Role of Regional Initiatives in Transition from Unipolarity to Multipolarity System: The Case of Greater Eurasia Plan

Seyed Amir Niakoee; Asgar Safari

Volume 26, Issue 109 , May 2020, , Pages 176-196

Abstract

The structure of the current international system results from dissolution of the Soviet Union and termination of bipolar order. The main feature of this system is uneven distribution ... Read More The structure of the current international system results from dissolution of the Soviet Union and termination of bipolar order. The main feature of this system is uneven distribution of power. Such structure, known as unipolar order, has increased the competition among the international system’s main actors for filling the power vacuum. Some believe that such tensions could prepare the ground for the international system’s transition to multipolar order. The reasoning behind the conclusion is weakness of the United States of America, emergence of new powers, and formation of new poles within the framework of regional initiatives. The latest example of such bloc of non-Western powers is the Greater Eurasia plan, pursued by Russia after the Ukraine crisis. The idea of “Great Eurasia” refers to an area stretching from Lisbon to Shanghai. However, this is a geopolitical innovation, political slogan, economic ambition, and ideological structure. Most importantly, it seeks to create a modern and post-American order with Russia playing the vital role. Considering that issue, the main question of the article is “what role and function could the regional initiatives, such as the Greater Eurasia, play in the current international system’s transition to multipolar order?” The authors believe that considering the power imbalance in the international system and the constant efforts by the actors to make up for it, the regional initiatives are an innovative instrument for decentralization of power in the international system and perform two main functions. Firstly, they prevent direct confrontation between the main actors of the international system (Sino-Russian cooperation under this initiative to avert direct confrontation with the US), and, secondly, they help formation of multipolar order by presenting substitute regulations (Russian efforts to change norms of liberal order). Due to the complexities of relations between the actors in such sets, the pace of transition would be slow, but, if materialized, they could have a leading role in the creation of a perfect multipolar order in the long term. The article is based on descriptive-analytical research method.

A Comparative Study of the Structure of Ardabil Carpet Design and Motif with Azerbaijan Carpet

Iman Zakariaee Kermani; Shaqayeq Moradzadeh Hafshejani

Volume 29, Issue 124 , May 2024, , Pages 179-218

Abstract

Ardabil region, as one of the carpet-weaving regions of Iran, has been connected with the Republic of Azerbaijan from the point of view of cultural geography. In the past, the Republic ... Read More Ardabil region, as one of the carpet-weaving regions of Iran, has been connected with the Republic of Azerbaijan from the point of view of cultural geography. In the past, the Republic of Azerbaijan was a part of Iran. According to the Treaty of Turkmen Chai and Golestan, during the reign of FathAli Shah Qajar, the territory of the Caucasus was handed over to Tsarist Russia. For this reason, many handwoven motifs have interacted and exchanged with each other over time. Among the objectives of the research, while examining the common motifs in Ardabil and Azerbaijan carpets, explaining the characteristics of the motifs in the carpet, and comparing these works of art. The main question of the current research is, considering the proximity and cultural connections of Ardabil with the Republic of Azerbaijan, what effect has it had on the structure of the design and motif of the carpet during the last one hundred years? In this way, this research was conducted using documentary sources and related articles in a comparative-analytical method based on explanation and of the isolation type, and it was analyzed by qualitative analysis method. The findings of the research, according to the studies, show that the carpet weaving industry in Ardabil peaked during the Safavid era, and until today, when it was separated from East Azerbaijan province, it has preserved the originality of its design and motif. According to the selection of samples in the carpets of the Ardabil region and the regions of the Republic of Azerbaijan (Shirvan, Quba, Kazakh, and Lankaran) In terms of structure and form in the design and most of the motifs shown as bergamot in the carpet, it is similar. The differences are mostly seen in the small motifs, color, motifs and the number of borders that these similarities are the result of cultural roots and the differences are derived from the stylistic characteristics of each region that have been separated from each other over time and distance.

Economic diplomacy of the Islamic Republic of Iran with the Eurasian Economic Union (in the case of tariff cooperation)

Reza Simbar; Hadi Gholamnia

Volume 27, Issue 113 , June 2021

Abstract

Economic relations between Iran and Eurasian Economic Union member states in recent years have been affected by factors such as international sanctions, lack of complementary economic ... Read More

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English Abstracts

Volume 29, Issue 121 , June 2023

Abstract

English Abstracts of Articles

Volume 29, Issue 122 , September 2023

Abstract

Central Asia and the Caucasus Studies

Volume 29, Issue 123 , December 2024

Abstract

International challenges of establishing a national government in Afghanistan: with an emphasis on the role of regional powers and transregional (2001-2021)

Mohammad Tamim Haidari; Reza Simbar

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 23 January 2024

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to examine the international challenges of establishing a national government in Afghanistan, which in the last two decades (2001-2021), under the influence ... Read More

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Analysis of Iran and Russia's Approach to the First and Second Nagorno-Karabakh War

Fatemeh Erfani; akbar valizadeh

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 28 April 2024

Abstract

The South Caucasus has always been of interest to major powers, and after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, it became a stage for regional and extra-regional power competition. ... Read More

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Relations between the Russian Federation and European Populist far-right Parties; Roots and Consequences

Abstract

Role of Regional Initiatives in Transition from Unipolarity to Multipolarity System: The Case of Greater Eurasia Plan

Abstract

A Comparative Study of the Structure of Ardabil Carpet Design and Motif with Azerbaijan Carpet

Abstract

Economic diplomacy of the Islamic Republic of Iran with the Eurasian Economic Union (in the case of tariff cooperation)

Abstract

English Abstracts

Abstract

English Abstracts of Articles

Abstract

Central Asia and the Caucasus Studies

Abstract

International challenges of establishing a national government in Afghanistan: with an emphasis on the role of regional powers and transregional (2001-2021)

Abstract

Analysis of Iran and Russia's Approach to the First and Second Nagorno-Karabakh War

Abstract