The United States and security in the Black Sea region

Abstract

In the last half decade, the wider Black Sea region has emerged as an increasing security issue for the United States. This has been reflected in a growing number of articles, briefings, books and policy papers devoted to the issue of security in the wider Black Sea area. Within the US government, as well, US officials have begun to pay increasing attention to the region and have attempted to craft a more coherent and comprehensive strategy toward the region. The Russian invasion of Georgia has underscored the importance Moscow attaches to preserving its influence in the region and the difficulties the United States faces in trying to develop a coherent policy toward the area. However, Russia’s position has weakened considerably since the Georgian invasion as a result of the global economic crisis. This could give Moscow an incentive to cooperate with the United States in managing security challenges in select areas, including in the wider Black Sea region.