Changing Security Landscape in the Black Sea: A Study on the Implications of Strategic and Regional Dynamics for Europe

Abstract

This article comprehensively examines the rapid and multidimensional transformations in Europe's security environment, within the framework of the strategic importance of the Black Sea region. The article analyzes several key developments: the new security vision shaped by the European Union's Strategic Compass document, NATO's redefined role on its eastern borders, the increasing use of non-traditional areas such as inland waterways for military purposes, and the impact of alternative financial mechanisms spearheaded by Russia and China on the global security order. The mutually reinforcing and often simultaneous nature of these developments is leading to the emergence of new threat perceptions and strategic priorities within Europe's security architecture. The Black Sea region, in particular, stands out as a critical strategic area at both the regional and continental levels, situated at the intersection of these new dynamics. Türkiye's geopolitical role in this region has multifaceted impacts across energy, defense, and transportation. In this context, the article aims to contribute to the debates on European security, the multipolar international order, and regional competition, thereby providing a deeper understanding of today's turbulent geopolitical environment.

Keywords

• Black Sea Region
• Inland Waterways
• Ragional Secuurity
• Economic Nationalism
• National Security and War

Karadenı̇z'de Değı̇şen Güvenlı̇k Manzarası: Stratejı̇k ve Bölgesel Dı̇namı̇klerin Avrupa Açısından Sonuçlarına Dair Bir İnceleme

Öz

Bu makale, Avrupa'nın güvenlik ortamında yaşanan hızlı ve çok boyutlu dönüşümleri Karadeniz bölgesinin stratejik önemi çerçevesinde kapsamlı bir şekilde incelemektedir. Avrupa Birliği’nin (AB) Stratejik Pusulası belgesiyle şekillenen yeni güvenlik vizyonu, NATO’nun doğu sınırlarında yeniden tanımlanan rolü, iç suyolları gibi geleneksel olmayan alanların askerî amaçlarla kullanımının artması ve Rusya ile Çin’in öncülüğünde geliştirilen alternatif finansal sistemlerin küresel güvenlik düzenine etkileri makalede ele alınan başlıca konular arasındadır. Bu gelişmelerin birbirini besleyen ve çoğu zaman eşzamanlı ilerleyen yönleri, Avrupa’nın güvenlik mimarisinde yeni tehdit algılarının ve stratejik önceliklerin doğmasına neden olmaktadır. Özellikle Karadeniz bölgesi, bu yeni dinamiklerin kesişim noktasında yer alarak hem bölgesel hem de kıtasal düzeyde kritik bir stratejik alan olarak öne çıkmaktadır. Türkiye’nin bu bölgede üstlendiği jeopolitik rol, enerji, savunma ve ulaştırma ekseninde çok katmanlı bir etkiye sahiptir. Makale, bu bağlamda Avrupa güvenliği, çok kutuplu uluslararası düzen ve bölgesel rekabet kavramlarına katkıda bulunarak, günümüzün çalkantılı jeopolitik ortamına dair daha derin bir kavrayış sunmayı amaçlamaktadır.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Karadeniz Bölgesi
• İç Suyolları
• Bölgesel Güvenlik
• Ekonomik Milliyetçilik
• Ulusal Güvenlik ve Savaş

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