Blue Black Sea: New Dimensions of History, Security, Politics, Strategy, Energy

Abstract

of the Caucasus Nations in the New Security Environment”, by E. Mehtiyev, emphasizes the importance of the Black Sea area in the European security system. According to Mehtiyev, as part of the wider Black Sea region, the Caucasus has direct access to Central Asia and Middle East. The next article “Background to the Hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan: From the Prague Process to the Madrid Principles” is also by E. Meytiyev. He says a military action to recover Nogorno-Karabagh from occupation has not of- fered any solution. N. Nechayeva’s paper, “The Georgia–Russia Conflict as an Example of Interdependence in World Politics” examines the evolution of Georgian–Russian relations based on the ever-changing interests of both sides. “The Roles of the Ukraine and the EU in settling the Russian–Georgian Conflict in the Caucasus” by G. Perepelytsia examines the main events in that conflict and describes the valuable contributions provided by Ukraine and EU in pursuit of resolution. “The Security Policies of Turkey and Russia towards Abkhazia and the Internal Georgian Conflict” by G. S. Bozkurt points out that the South Caucasus’ problem forms a serious obstacle in the establishment of a regional security system. “Black Sea regional security after 9/11” by Y. Gaber, stresses the increasing importance of the Black Sea region after the notorious events of 9/11 and analyzes the regional security strategies of the United States, the main “outside actor,” and Turkey, which has recently positioned itself as a regional power. M. Alam’s work “Turkey’s Security Strategies in the Extended Black Sea Region after September 11, 2001” examines the challenges which Turkey faces, such as terrorism, hu- man and narco-trafficking, and illegal trade, most of which emanate from the Middle East. “The US Military Bases in Romania and Bulgaria and their Possible Implications for Regional Security”, by S. Akkaya, focuses on US approach to the Black Sea region from a broader security perspective and in