Analytical Overview: A Comprehensive Approach to Black Sea Security

This chapter provides a comprehensive examination of the evolving security landscape in the Black Sea region following Russia’s unprovoked military aggression against Ukraine in 2022. It explores the implications of this conflict on regional security paradigms and the shifting geopolitical landscape in the wider Black Sea area, South Caucasus, and Central Asia. Emphasizing the need for a new European security order, the chapter underscores the vital role of the EU, NATO, and Western allies in addressing the security challenges posed by Russia's aggressive actions. Drawing on the concept of comprehensive security, the chapter highlights the Black Sea region's strategic significance as a geopolitical hotspot. Furthermore, it sets a scene for detailed case-studies of all the relevant actors in the region included in this book and advocates for a multidimensional approach to security analysis to navigate the complex challenges and opportunities in the evolving regional landscape.