1 Assessing the Strategic Importance of The Black Sea Region

Abstract: This paper will examine the strategic importance of the Black Sea region focusing on the principal geopolitical, geo-strategic and geo-diplomatic factors influencing the regional security system. It will assess the role of, and importance, to NATO, the EU, the United States, and Russia, of the Black Sea and its wider region, in particular Ukraine and the South Caucasus. The paper will also examine the evolving military balance in the region especially with regard to the developing military cooperation between Romania, Bulgaria and the United States, and the posture of the Russian Armed Forces; most notably those assigned to the North Caucasian Military District, the Black Sea Fleet and those based in Armenia. The importance of the Black Sea region as a hub for strategic projection; for the US and NATO east- and south-wards to the Middle East, Caucasus and Central Asia; for Russia westwards toward the Balkans and Mediterranean, will be evaluated. The geo-economic importance of the region, particularly vis-á-vis hydrocarbon resources will also be assessed. The core objective of this paper is to assess the strategic importance of the Black Sea region; indicate the principal politico-military, strategic, diplomatic and geo-economic dynamics influencing the region; and evaluate potential policy options to ensure regional security and integration with the Euro-Atlantic Community