Iran and Russia: From Rivals to Allies

In his talk Dr Tajvidi explains the evolution of Iranian-Russian relations, particularly over the last two centuries. The five Russo-Persian wars from 1651 to 1828 demonstrate the extent of rivalry between the two empires. With the advent of the Bolshevik Revolution, Iran adopted an anti-communist position and sided with the West in containing the Soviet Union. The 1979 Iranian Revolution marked the beginning of a new chapter in relations between the two countries, despite the seemingly antagonistic Islamic and communist ideologies. Today Russia and Iran are strategic allies, and also members of BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

Dr Ali Tajvidi is a Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at the University of Westminster, with a specialisation in US foreign policy. However, his current research interests are the Russia-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and the European Security Architecture after the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.

Please note: The talk will be recorded and a link to the recording will be emailed to those who book, within 24 hours after the talk ends. So do book and listen to the talk later, if you are not free to login live on the day. The recording will be available for up to 30 days.

Booking: When you book online, you will receive a booking confirmation email within half an hour, and then from 2 days before the event you will receive up to three reminder emails with the Zoom login details for the meeting. The SCRSS is aware that some email providers appear to block SCRSS booking emails generated by Eventbrite. If you do not receive your booking confirmation email within one hour of booking on Eventbrite, first check your Junk email folder and, if it is not there, email the SCRSS direct on ruslibrary@scrss.org.uk (not via Eventbrite) and we will confirm your booking and provide the Zoom link direct.