| ID | 196617 |
| Title Proper | Bear, the eagle, and the falcon |
| Other Title Information | Russia, America, and the United Arab Emirates in a time of Great Power Rivalry |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Sullivan, Charles J |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Relations between the Russian Federation and the United Arab Emirates have evolved over the past decade into a strategic partnership owing to a seeming congruence of Russian and Emirati strategies across theatres in the Middle East, combined with the UAE’s intention to unofficially engage in “hedging” against the backdrop of the Russo-Ukrainian War. This article explores the reasons why the UAE has recalibrated its orientation vis-à-vis the United States, with an emphasis on how its leadership has worked to enhance ties with Moscow during a time of Great Power rivalry. From the UAE’s perspective, hedging constitutes the bedrock of a sound foreign policy focus. However, this article posits that Abu Dhabi also needs to appreciate the costs of adhering to a hedging agenda, especially when the Israel-Hamas War and tensions in Iraq, Syria, Iran, Lebanon, and the Red Sea could trigger a wider war. Although the United States and UAE harbour disagreements, the two states can still try to revise their divergent trajectories. Yet it remains unclear as to whether the contours of the USA-UAE strategic partnership can somehow be improved upon at this time. Alas, much depends on whether Washington and Abu Dhabi can find common ground on issues such as resuming a stalled deal to supply F-35 fighter jets; the possible brokering of a settlement between Israel and Palestine; the potential formation of a more robust security pact; and the UAE’s role in assisting the United States in countering Iran and its proxies’ nefarious activities. |
| `In' analytical Note | Asian Affairs Vol. 55, No.3; Sep 2024: p.400-427 |
| Journal Source | Asian Affairs Vol: 55 No 3 |
| Key Words | Sanctions ; Israel ; United States ; Russia ; Ukraine ; UAE ; Hamas ; Houthis |