Russia's Tilt towards the Muslim World.

Byline: Warda Ghafoor

At the beginning of this year, Russia extended its support to strengthen Syria's cultural and historical sites by providing its professionals, archeologists, geologists, and 3D modelling experts. The ancient sites of "Citadel of Aleppo" and "the Arc de Triomphe" are currently being reconstructed with the help of Russia on Syrian soil. Russia has expressed its utmost desire to foster diplomatic relations between the two countries in every possible sphere. Syria is not the first Middle Eastern or Muslim country enjoying Russian attention; contemporary dynamics are evident of Russian inclination towards the Muslim world. Russia's relations with the Muslim world have remained lukewarm especially in the post-Soviet period.

Since the end of the Cold War and the emergence of the Russian Federation, Russian leaders have paid special attention towards building better relations with the Muslim majority states in South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. At present, Russia prioritizes expanding multilateral ties and inter-civilizational collaboration with the Muslim world. The recent fostering ties are also indicating towards sprouting the seeds of re-alignment. The relationship between Russia and the Islamic world seems to be centered on short-term geopolitical goals rather than common ideological beliefs.

Here we are trying to find out the key determinants for Russia's reorientation towards the Islamic world. Russia and Multipolarity The first reason can be Russia's goal of multipolarity. Russia seeks to reinstate multipolarity in order to develop resistance against the dominance and hegemony of the United States in international relations. In the aftermath of 9/11, Russia is building on the growing hostility of the Muslim world toward the United States. In foreign policy, the balancing act is defined as the alignment against the potential threat whereas bandwagoning act as the alignment with the potential threat. Strong states often choose to balance to make sure that no government gains absolute hegemony over them.

While weak states bandwagon with other states. In effect, it seems to adopt a balancing approach in its foreign policy to overcome major threat i.e., the United States. Russia considers China as the key instrument in the pursuit of multi-polarity. The current dynamics between Russia and China are facilitated by sanctions of the United States against Russia due to the 2014 Crimea annexation and its trade war...