Politics of the Black Sea

 The post-Cold War period has seen the emergence of the Black Sea as a region of key strategic importance. As a conduit point for energy pipelines, the sea and its surrounding states are inextricably linked with the exploitation of energy resources in the Caspian Sea and beyond. The heightened risk of ethnic conflict, territorial disputes and instability has been matched by opportunities for regional co-operation on pressing economic and ecological matters. In 1992 the Black Sea Economic Co-operation Project (BSCP) was instigated by Turkey to further interregional agreements on issues such as environmental pollution, and the exploitation and transportation of oil and energy resources in the region. The BSCP consists of the member states of Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Turkey, and Ukraine. Simultaneously with this development, international companies have begun to move into the area, seeking access to the Caucasus, the Caspian Sea and the Central Asian republics. What are the prospects for the Black Sea? This text assesses the dynamics of interregional relations, and attempts to weigh up the risks and opportunities of the post-Cold War era.

Review:

This very welcome volume provides much needed material on an area that has gained significantly in importance... Slavic Review

 

Introduction, Tunc Aybak; the politics of oil in the Black Sea area - Turkey and regional power rivalries, Bulent Gokay; Black Sea economic cooperation (BSEC) and Turkey - extending European integration to the east?, Tunc Aybak; the Black Sea world as a unit of analysis, Eyup Ozveren; Ukraine and the Black Sea region, Tor Bukkvoll; security cooperation in the Black Sea basin, Plamen Pantev; can the marine and coastal environment of the Black Sea be protected?, Laurence David Mee; Russia and the Black Sea realities, Nicolai A. Kovalsky; cooperation and conflict in the North Caucasus, Svante E. Cornell; appendices.