Iran–Russia military-technical cooperation during the presidency of Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani: pragmatism and balance of power

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46991/hc.2025.22.2.122

Keywords:

Iran, Russia, Rafsanjani, military-technical cooperation, realism, interdependence, constructivism, world order

Abstract

The study explores the evolution of military-technical cooperation between Iran and Russia during the presidency of Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani (1989–1997), a crucial stage in Iran’s foreign policy and defense reconstruction. It examines the political and strategic foundations of bilateral cooperation, Russia’s role in the modernization of Iran’s military potential, and Rafsanjani’s pragmatic approach toward foreign policy realignment. The analysis draws upon both open and declassified sources, incorporating political, technological, and geopolitical dimensions.

The methodological framework combines the perspectives of political realism, dependency and interdependence theory, and constructivism. This interdisciplinary approach allows for understanding how military and economic asymmetry transformed into a pragmatic, mutually beneficial partnership while preserving regional balance of power.

Scientific novelty lies in conceptualizing Iran–Russia military-technical cooperation as a model of pragmatic interdependence, where realist calculations intertwine with the pursuit of technological autonomy and identity politics.

 

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جعفرشیر، علی‌نیا، روایتی از زندگی و زمانه آیت‌الله اکبر هاشمی رفسنجانی (۱۳۱۳–۱۳۹۴)، تهران، ۱۳۹۵

انی در زمان بدی بود، تاریخ ایرانیhttp://tarikhirani.ir/fa/news/5749/

Published

2026-09-07

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Section

Articles

How to Cite

Barseghyan, D. (2026). Iran–Russia military-technical cooperation during the presidency of Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani: pragmatism and balance of power. History and Culture, 22(2), 122-133. https://doi.org/10.46991/hc.2025.22.2.122