Egypt and the Soviet Union: The Dynamics of Cold War Diplomacy in the Middle East

Abstract

This article explores the diplomatic relations between Egypt and the Soviet Union during the Cold War, particularly under the leadership of President Gamal Abdel Nasser. It examines how Egypt’s foreign policy was shaped by Soviet influence and the broader Cold War dynamics in the Middle East. The paper traces the history of Soviet-Egyptian relations from the 1950s, when Egypt first turned to the Soviet Union for military and economic support, to the 1970s, when Egypt began shifting towards a more Western-oriented approach. Using archival materials from both Egyptian and Soviet sources, the research highlights key moments in the relationship, including the 1955 Baghdad Pact, the construction of the Aswan High Dam, and the 1967 Six-Day War. The study also analyzes the role of ideology in shaping Egypt’s decision to align with the Soviet Union, and how this alignment affected Egypt's standing in the Arab world and beyond. The paper concludes by reflecting on the legacy of Soviet-Egyptian relations in the post-Cold War period, particularly in terms of the strategic role Egypt plays in Middle Eastern geopolitics today.