The Russian-Iranian Alliance: Increasing the Threat from Iran to U. S. National Interests
Date of Graduation
Summer 2003
Degree
Master of Science in Defense and Strategic Studies
Department
Defense and Strategic Studies
Committee Chair
Ulrike Schumacher
Abstract
Since Iran's war with Iraq it has struggled to rebuild its military with the goal of gaining power in the Middle East. In order to reach this goal Iran has paired with a willing partner, Russia. Assistance from Russia includes not only conventional weapons but also aid in the development of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons and the means to deliver them. In order to understand why the two countries are cooperating with each other this thesis examines the Russian and Iranian regimes. The numerous agreements and visits as well as the motivations for the alliance are examined. The events of September 11, 2001, and the war on Terrorism have further elevated U.S. concern over this alliance. Changes since September 11 in the cooperation between Russia and Iran are explored. Furthermore, this thesis explores U.S. policy options in regard to the increasing threat from Iran. It concludes that the alliance between Russia and Iran threatens the national interests of the United States.
Subject Categories
Defense and Security Studies
Copyright
© Tracy L. Langedyk
Recommended Citation
Langedyk, Tracy L., "The Russian-Iranian Alliance: Increasing the Threat from Iran to U. S. National Interests" (2003). MSU Graduate Theses. 2290.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/2290
Dissertation/Thesis
