Dr. Mark N. Katz
Professor of Government and Politics,
George Mason University
Discussing
Russian-Iranian Relations in the Obama Era
Thursday, January 28
12-1 PM
Boardman Room
Middle East Institute
1761 N St NW
Washington, DC
video
The Middle East Institute is proud to host Dr. Mark Katz, professor at George Mason University, for a discussion of current relations between Iran and Russia. The Obama Administration has attempted to improve US relations both with both countries. However, neither Tehran nor Moscow has responded favorably toward the new administration's initiatives. While Tehran and Moscow continue to distrust Washington, they also distrust each other.
In his talk, Katz will discuss Moscow’s views on the Iranian nuclear issue and Security Council sanctions, current Iranian political unrest, Iran’s prospects as a major emerging gas exporter and transit route from the Caspian Basin, and the prospects for an Iranian-American rapprochement. He will also discuss Tehran’s views of Russian policy on these issues. Despite shared antipathy toward the United States, he notes that the issues dividing Moscow and Tehran are sufficiently serious that the prospects for increased collaboration between them appear quite limited.
BIO:
Mark N. Katz is a Professor of Government and Politics at George Mason University, where he has taught since 1988. He received a Ph.D. in political science from M.I.T. in 1982 and has been awarded post-doctoral fellowships by the Rockefeller Foundation, the United States Institute of Peace, the Earhart Foundation, and the Kennan Institute.
He has been writing about Soviet and Russian foreign policy toward the Middle East for over a quarter of a century. His recent works on this subject include: “The Russian-Libyan Rapprochement: What Has Moscow Gained?” Middle East Policy, Fall 2008; “Implications of the Georgian Crisis for Israel, Iran, and the West,” Middle East Review of International Affairs, December 2008; and “Saudi-Russian Relations since the Abdullah-Putin Summit,” Middle East Policy, Spring 2009.
Because of the popularity of MEI programs and limited seating, MEI anticipates a capacity audience for the program. MEI wishes to accommodate all registered guests but will give MEI members and supporters priority seating. We encourage you to become an MEI member if you wish to avoid sitting in the overflow room. Early arrival for all is encouraged. |