Part 8/12:
The Russian strategy—balancing relations with Israel, Iran, and Arab countries—has ultimately collapsed under these pressures. Moscow’s previous role as a regional broker has been displaced, and its influence appears to be shrinking fast.
The Cost of Isolation
The summit failure and regional disengagement reflect a broader decline. Putin’s image of Russia as a rising power has been profoundly damaged, with its global prestige and influence in the Middle East waning. As regional actors seek U.S. or alternative partnerships, Russia finds itself more isolated, with fewer friends and less leverage. The once-promising Russia-Iran axis is now visibly weakened, and the Kremlin’s attempts to mediate Palestine or Syria are increasingly sidelined.