The Russian Foreign Policy Towards Geo-Strategic Transitions in The Eastern Mediterranean Region (2011-2020

The study discusses the Eastern Mediterranean region’s importance in the thrusts of Russian foreign policy, recently Russia has become one of the most important geopolitical players in the Eastern Mediterranean. As Russia seeks to find a foothold in the region, to re-establish itself as a great power, and assume a new global role led by Putin, who has adopted a strategy that serves Russia's interests. The study aims to analyze how Russia’s interests promote its existence in the Eastern Mediterranean, and it highlights the determinants of the Russian moving in this region ,some of which are represented in the Russian geography and its access to warm-water ports, as well the region is also rich in many natural resources such as oil and gas reserves, which makes it an important player in the global energy map, whether in terms of production, export or terms of control transport Pipelines natural gas from Central Asia and the Middle East to Europe. The study addresses the geostrategic transitions in the Eastern Mediterranean region and their impact on Russian interests. So, the national interest is Russia's primary motive within the region and the study seeks to clarify this by applying a theoretical approach of neo-realism and geopolitics. As a result, Russia's policy towards the Eastern Mediterranean region has been based on all elements of statecraft, including diplomatic, military, and economic instruments, to promote its interests in this region: such as the military intervention in Syria in 2015 was the first of its kind outside the former Soviet Union’s region, or economic policies, given that this region is a suitable market for Russian weapons in addition to the role of Russian natural gas companies. The study concluded that Russia’s policies in the Eastern Mediterranean can be considered as part of a pattern aimed at enhancing its power globally. In addition, Russia pursues the scenario of continuity and strengthening of relations, and this appeared through diversifying its partnerships with several countries on the basis that dependence on one country is unprofitable, and Russia also pursued a policy of the balance of interests towards the region, taking into account the preservation of non-aligned relations. Keywords: Russian Foreign Policy, Eastern Mediterranean Region, Internal and External Determinants, Geostrategic Transitions, Russian Military Intervention, Economic Policies, National Interest, Balance of Interests.