‍Central Asia and The Caucasus Journal

Abstract The Islamic Republic of Iran and India differ significantly in their foreign policy orientations. While India, despite certain ups and downs, has largely aligned itself with the Western-led global order, Iran has consistently maintained a confrontational stance toward it. Despite these profound differences, the two countries have converged on certain geoeconomic issues—particularly in the South Caucasus and the development of the North-South Corridor—based on their respective national interests. This study seeks to answer the central question: What factors have contributed to the emergence of joint strategic approaches between Iran and India in the South Caucasus, and specifically regarding the development of the North-South Corridor? The hypothesis suggests that Iran’s unique geopolitical and geoeconomic characteristics—and their value to India—alongside the significant mutual benefits derived from this project, have facilitated bilateral cooperation in this shared endeavor. The findings indicate that although the project has achieved relative progress due to its shared advantages, the sustained pursuit of joint strategies in this domain remains contingent upon broader variables at the international system level as well as regional dynamics. Methodologically, this research adopts an analytical-explanatory approach and is grounded in the theory of geoeconomics, relying on library-based sources, including academic articles, and specialized news platforms.

Abstract The foreign policy and position of great influential powers are very important in considering the most international developments and their conclusions. Therefore such positions have to be complemented in order to get a comprehensive vision on the world affairs. Within the last three years MENA Arabian countries have been experiencing drastic political changes, both in form of government and plunging chronic civil wars and some others are in the verge of entering to such conflicts. Syria is suffering from a the worst form of civil war and conflict near 3 years in which the great powers positions and their decisions take an important role. Some of these powers have taken huge efforts to subvert the Syrian government through military action and others tried vice-versa. Russia has been among those who oppose military intervention in Syria and has taken vigorous position in this regard. This article is analyzing the Russian policies with regard to Syrian crisis.