Russia's Militarization of the Black Sea: Challenges for NATO and Regional Security

Abstract

Naval power has become a significant part of geopolitics. Since no supranational organization could control the international system, states were always under pressure and concerned for their security in a Darwinian struggle for survival, and should prioritize maintaining their national security. States can accomplish this by strengthening their naval, land, and air power. The existing study tries to evaluate the strategies of the Russian naval force in light of Alfred Thayer Mahan's theory of "sea power" and Russian activities in the Black Sea. Russia's militarization of the Black Sea, notably the increase of its anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) capabilities, undermines NATO's capacity to provide effective defense on its eastern flank. In the meantime, NATO has strengthened its presence and policy in the Black Sea by stepping up military operations and collaborating with regional allies. The necessity of a robust and coordinated response to Russia's assertiveness in the Black Sea region has been underlined by the US and NATO. The Black Sea tends to be very important in Russian decision-making and policy-making processes, particularly following the 2008 Georgian War and the 2014 annexation of Crimea. The study's findings have significant implications for the future strategic importance of the Black Sea on the Eurasian continent, particularly for Russia and its naval forces.