The Balance of Power in the Wider Black Sea Region in the 21st Century

P. 331–348.

Damir Islamov

The Wider Black Sea region is increasingly becoming an area of competition between great and regional powers, especially after the start of a new stage of the Ukrainian crisis (2022). This region is characterised by the existence of protracted conflicts (Transnistria, Abkhazia and South Ossetia), some of them have ended (Nagorno-Karabakh) or entered a new phase (the Ukraine crisis). Transport and energy interests are intertwined, and the military and political confrontation between the great powers is expanding. On the one hand, Russia and China are forming the Non-Western approach to the Wider Black Sea region. This area is a zone of strategic interests for Moscow, whereas Beijing seeks to enhance its economic presence based on the “One Belt, One Road” initiative. On the other hand, the US-NATO-EU embody the Western approach and the Alliance is striving to expand its military presence in the region. Turkey, which is a NATO member state but also would like to be a regional leader with pursuing of national interests in the Wider Black Sea region.

Keywords: EU, NATO, Ukraine crisis, US, great power competition, Black Sea, China, Russia, Wider Black Sea Region

In book

International Relations Dynamics in the 21st Century: Security, Conflicts, and Wars

IGI Global, 2025.