01992nas a2200265   4500000000100000008004100001260000900042653002100051653001000072653001900082653001600101653002100117653001100138653002600149653002300175653001300198653001800211100002500229700001700254700001800271245009100289300001200380490000700392520132700399       2024                            d  c202410aBlack Sea region10aChina10aEuropean Union10ageopolitics10amilitary threats10aRussia10astrategic competition10astrategic trilemma10aTürkiye10aUnited States1 aVictoria Vdovychenko1 aNatalia Albu1 aNika Chitadze00aNavigating the Trilemma of (In)security: Strategic Competition in the Black Sea Region  a117-1280 v233 a<p>This article explores the geopolitical and geostrategic importance of the Black Sea region within the complex dynamics of major-power competition, focusing primarily on the interests and strategies of the United States, China, Russia, and other regional players. It highlights the region’s major threats and challenges, ranging from military threats and hybrid operations to socio-economic and ecological concerns. These multifaceted challenges are leveraged by key stakeholders to advance their interests, further complicating the strategic landscape. This complex geopolitical environment, fraught with risks and competition, underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of the dynamics at play. The article introduces the concept of strategic trilemmas in the Black Sea region, involving the active participation of Türkiye, Ukraine, and pro-Western littoral states (Romania, Bulgaria, and Georgia) on one side, with Russia on the opposing side. Addressing the region’s challenges requires a comprehensive approach to promote stability, security, and cooperation. While Russia’s influence remains a concern, the potential for reducing its dominance and increasing cooperation in the Black Sea region offers bilateral and multilateral collaboration opportunities in this crucial geopolitical theater.</p>