Geographical blessing versus geopolitical curse: great power security agendas for the Black Sea region and a Turkish alternative

Abstract

The Black Sea has been a site of contention and confrontation for centuries, though changes since the end of the Cold War allowed for the emergence of a cooperative environment. Due to its strategic location in the middle of Eurasia, controlling the region represents a unique geopolitical interest. This uniqueness at times turns into threats for regional and international peace and stability; thus its fortuitous location can become a curse. This paper argues that increased big power (US, EU and Russian Federation) attention does not guarantee prosperity, and can create occasional clashes. It looks at how the security interests of the big powers came to focus on the Black Sea, and explores one of the regional alternatives for its future political, economic and security structures.