The National Security Institute Publishes Backgrounder on the Growing Collaboration between the Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Iran
September 25, 2024
Keelin Wolfe
National Security Institute
Arlington, VA – Today, the National Security Institute (NSI) at George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School published a new backgrounder report, Defying Isolation: How Russia and Iran’s Alliance Challenges Western Democracies, which explores the growing military, economic, and diplomatic cooperation between Russia and Iran.
The backgrounder highlights:
- Deepening Military Ties: Russia and Iran have significantly increased military cooperation, particularly in the Ukraine conflict, with Iran supplying drones, missiles, and military advisors. Russia, in return, has provided advanced fighter jets and military technology to Iran. This collaboration extends to support for Iranian proxies like Hezbollah.
- Economic Partnerships: The two nations have worked together to evade Western sanctions, with increased trade, especially in oil exports, and significant deals like the Eurasian Economic Union agreement to reduce tariffs.
- Strategic Diplomacy: Russia uses its influence in multilateral organizations to protect Iran from sanctions while boosting its own standing in the Middle East. It positions itself as a mediator while backing Iran in regional conflicts.
- Key Future Concerns: Watch for Russia’s continued support of Iran’s nuclear program, deepening military engagement, and the potential escalation of regional conflicts, including the ongoing Gaza crisis.
This backgrounder builds on NSI’s Global Repression initiative, a critical effort to expose and confront the coordinated actions of authoritarian regimes such as Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. These regimes actively work to undermine democracy, disrupt global stability, and reshape the international order to serve their own oppressive agendas. As this alliance of global malign actors strengthens, the stakes for the U.S. and its allies have never been higher.
By hosting high-profile public events, engaging in Congressional testimonies, and publishing influential papers, like Defying Isolation, NSI positions itself at the forefront of the global effort to counter this threat. Through its leadership, NSI shapes the national conversation on how to combat the dangerous collaboration between these repressive states, outlining clear strategies and solutions for policymakers. With a focus on what the U.S. must do to safeguard democracy and protect the international order, NSI is a driving force in the fight to resist the rise of global authoritarianism.
Click here to read Defying Isolation, a NSI backgrounder.
“This backgrounder sheds light on a critical and evolving alliance that poses significant challenges to Western democracies,” said Kelly Crowley, NSI Policy Coordinator. “The deepening ties between Russia and Iran represent a complex, multifaceted threat that demands our immediate attention. This report not only outlines the military, economic, and diplomatic aspects of their collaboration but also highlights the need for a coordinated response from the U.S. and its allies.”
“The growing collaboration between Russia and Iran poses a significant threat to Western democracies, as these two authoritarian regimes continue to deepen their military, economic, and diplomatic ties,” said Jamil N. Jaffer, Founder and Executive Director of the National Security Institute. “This report provides critical insights into how this dangerous alliance is evolving and why it requires an urgent, coordinated response from the United States and its allies.”
Learn more about the author, Kelly Crowley.
About the National Security Institute
The National Security Institute at George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School serves as a platform for research, teaching, scholarship, and policy development. The Institute incorporates a realistic assessment of the threats facing the United States and its allies, as well as an appreciation of the legal and practical challenges facing our intelligence, law enforcement, border security, and cybersecurity communities.
About the Antonin Scalia Law School:
The Antonin Scalia Law School, founded in 1972, merged with George Mason Law School in 1979 and was named after the late Supreme Court Justice in 2016. Located in Arlington, Va., it offers JD, LLM, and JM degrees and is home to nationally acclaimed centers, including the National Security Institute.
About George Mason University:
George Mason University is Virginia’s largest public research university, enrolling over 40,000 students from 130 countries. Recognized for innovation, diversity, and commitment to accessibility, Mason launched a one-billion-dollar campaign in 2023 to support student success, research, innovation, community, and stewardship.