RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE WIDER BLACK SEA AREA SECURITY ENVIRONMENT
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE WIDER BLACK SEA AREA SECURITY ENVIRONMENT
Author(s): Catalin-Mihai GhermanSubject(s): Security and defense, Present Times (2010 - today), Geopolitics
Published by: Carol I National Defence University Publishing House
Keywords: Wider Black Sea Area (WBSA); Crimea; Russia; security risks; interests; trends;
Summary/Abstract: The annexation of Crimea by Russia is a historical event that marks the transition from the post-Cold War era to a multipolar one, where emergent powers of the past two decades, especially Russia, exercise a growing geopolitical influence. Russia justifies Crimea’s annexation on the basis of the fundamental democratic principle - the right to self-determination – but also on historical reasons, including Kosovo. The Wider Black Sea Area (WBSA) security environment has deteriorated significantly, with 2014 as a major turning point in recent post-Sovietic history - a reaffirmation of Russia’s claims on its former influence areas, supported by an accelerated arming process. By extension, Russia’s annexation of Crimea and its accelerated militarization represent a major threat to the WBSA security, forcing the remodeling of security strategies on the European continent. Russia is not willing to lose control over Ukraine, which makes that, in a medium and long term, a “cold front” is foreshadowed in the WBSA, with Romania on its forefront.
Journal: Strategic Impact
- Issue Year: 2017
- Issue No: 65
- Page Range: 32-42
- Page Count: 11
- Language: English