The New Geopolitical Order in the Black Sea: Russia's Role in the Area

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Abstract:

Since February 2022, the ongoing war in Ukraine has positioned the Black Sea region at the center of strategic competition and created a new geopolitical reality in the international system. This conflict has intensified the struggle between Russia and Western powers, making the Black Sea a key point of contention. As a gateway to the world, the Black Sea holds immense strategic and economic significance for Russia. Additionally, other coastal countries along the Black Sea, such as Türkiye, Romania, and Bulgaria, all NATO members, have their own interests in the region, as do EU candidate countries Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova. As a result, the region's dynamics and NATO enlargement impact Russia’s strategy in the Black Sea area. In this context, this article aims to analyze the characteristics and significance of the Black Sea for the Kremlin’s policy and the other key players operating in the region.