Theses and Dissertations
Advisor
Tkach, Benjamin K.
Committee Member
Potter, Mike R.
Committee Member
Schafer, Dean G.
Date of Degree
5-16-2025
Original embargo terms
Immediate Worldwide Access
Document Type
Graduate Thesis - Open Access
Major
Political Science
Degree Name
Master of Arts (M.A.)
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Department of Political Science and Public Administration
Abstract
This paper investigates the reasons behind the disparity in the signing of Defense Cooperation Agreements (DCAs) among MENA countries. Western sanctions and financial dependence on Russia are the two primary factors used in the research to evaluate scenarios using a Boolean method and a Most Similar Systems Design (MSSD). While states that depend on Russian energy exports may align more closely with Moscow for strategic and economic gains, the paper examines how states under Western sanctions frequently look to Russia for alternative security relationships. Case studies that illustrate the circumstances under which MENA states seek formal defense connections with Russia include Algeria vs. Morocco, Saudi Arabia vs. Oman, and Iran vs. Iraq.
Recommended Citation
Jayes, Laurel, "Russia in the MENA Region: Why do states draft defense cooperation agreements with non-contiguous states?" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 6511.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/td/6511
