AVRASYA’NIN JEOPOLİTİĞİ BAĞLAMINDA RUSYA’NIN KARADENİZ POLİTİKASI
THE BLACK SEA POLICY OF RUSSIA WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF GEOPOLITICS OF EURASIA

Summary/Abstract: Located in the center of Eurasia, the Black Sea forms the borderline between the West and Russia. The border, which had appeared free from conflicts during the Cold War, turned into an issue line after the Cold War. The root of the issue is NATO's eastward expansion and Russia's reaction to it. The possibility of the Black Sea being included in the Western coverage has significantly changed Russia's attitude. Since NATO raised the possibility of accepting Georgia and Ukraine as members, Russia's intervention in Georgia in August 2008, Ukraine in March 2014, and its annexation of Crimea are her reactions to the possibility of falling under Western control of the Black Sea. The invasion of Ukraine, initiated by Russia on February 24, 2022, can also be interpreted as a continuation of the previous steps. Behind this latest invasion decision of Russia lies a determined reaction against the intention of the West to have a say in the Black Sea after Eastern Europe. Russia's acceptance of the West's presence in the Black Sea means that it consents to sever the ties with its near abroad, which should be controlled for its security. Russia cannot accept such a situation that will result in losing its security initiative. For this reason, Russia's Black Sea Policy, based on keeping the West out of the region, is built on pillars that will ensure the realization of its security, political, and economic interests. Therefore, this study aims to determine what the basic principles of Russia's policy towards the Black Sea are and what consequences and effects this will have for the Black Sea and its large basin.

• Details
• Contents