19. 9. 2023

This episode of The IR thinker explores the evolving military relationship between Russia and Iran, from the strategic logic behind their partnership to the economics of Iranian drone exports and what Moscow may be offering in return. The discussion considers Russia’s surprising weakness in drone technology, prospects for joint production, scenario analyses of the war in Ukraine and its impact on bilateral ties, and the possibility of deeper Iranian military involvement in the conflict.

Scholars of Tomorrow

Scholars of Tomorrow is a panel of emerging researchers who bring fresh perspectives to these questions.

• Mikael Pir-Budagyan is a graduate student in Eurasian, Russian and East European Studies and a graduate associate at Russia Matters (Harvard Kennedy School), focusing on Russian foreign and domestic policy, regional development and conflict resolution.

• Aryan Monfarednik studies Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Charles University in Prague and is engaged with activists inside and outside Iran on questions of human rights and freedom.

• Igor Suvorov is a master’s student in African Studies at the University of Hradec Králové, working in human rights, vocational education and journalism, and founder of the youth NGO Late Night Diplomacy.

• Ronan Wordsworth holds a master’s degree in Geopolitical Studies from Charles University, works on the university’s Africa programme, and is an analyst and forecaster for Geopolitical Futures on sub-Saharan Africa and the Asia–Pacific; he also co-hosts The Geopolitical Pickle podcast.

• Juan Francisco Muñoz is an intelligence analyst completing a master’s in Geopolitical Studies at Charles University and co-founder of The Geopolitical Pickle, focusing on contemporary geopolitical trends and security issues.

Content

00:00 - Introduction
06:38 - Delving into Russia-Iran Military Dynamics
17:18 - Media’s Magnification: Russia & Iran’s Prominence
26:34 - Economic Motives: Are Cheap Iranian Drones the Catalyst?
38:47 - Russia’s Offerings to Iran: Beyond the Obvious
49:23 - The Absence of Russia’s Drone Programme & The Russo-Iranian Drone Venture
57:53 - Scenario Analysis: Ukraine War’s Endgame (5 months, 15 months) and its Impact on Russia-Iran Ties
01:07:14 - Could Iran Deploy Contractors or Troops in Ukraine?