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Title NATO’s Expansion in the Black Sea Region and Russia’s Response (2014-2024)

Author(s) Usama Hijazi

Abstract In 2014, Russia gained control of Crimea which strongly impacted regional geopolitics, since this allowed Moscow to enter the Black Sea and bulks its influence everywhere. Combined with Russia gaining Crimea and NATO deepening its involvement in the region, Ukraine’s ambition to join NATO became a major reason that led to regional tensions and, in the end, a full war. This research seeks to examine the political and security changes in the Black Sea Region between 2014 and 2024, especially paying attention to Russia’s actions in response to NATO’s eastward growth and what its overall strategic plans might be. To conduct this research, the qualitative comparative case study methodology mixes primary materials, archival records, academic writings and official policy reports. Key findings illustrate that Russia believes that NATO’s influence in the Black Sea makes it an existential threat, so it has become more aggressive toward neighboring countries there. Much of what NATO does is guided by the need to protect against threats and stop Russian forces from expanding. This study finds that the ongoing conflict has thrown regional peace into uncertainty and causes lasting security issues. This research underscores that a balanced policy is needed to handle security fears and encourage talks among all involved, so as to avoid escalation in the Black Sea Region.

Type Thesis/Dissertation

Faculty Social Sciences

Department International Relations

Language English

Publication Date 2025-08-11

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