The regional cooperation between Romania and Türkiye in the field of maritime security in The Black Sea region in the context of the Russian war on Ukraine (2014-2024)

Throughout history, the Black Sea has been a meeting point for many great civilizations, marked by intense competition and conflict as various powers have vied for political control and dominance over vital trade and maritime routes. The 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine has significantly reshaped security dynamics in the Black Sea region, raising questions about the role of regional cooperation in the field of maritime security. Romania and Türkiye, two pivotal actors with deep historical and geopolitical ties, are essential players in this context. Their shared history, rooted in centuries of interaction, places them in a unique position to influence security outcomes in the region. From Romania's viewpoint, Türkiye has a long-standing role as a key regional player in the Black Sea. This thesis explores the regional cooperation between Romania and Türkiye in the field of maritime security in the Black Sea region, in the context of the Russian war on Ukraine from 2014 to 2024. The study seeks to understand in what ways the war has influenced the maritime security cooperation between the two countries, focusing on whether it has strengthened their collaborative efforts in response to heightened regional threats. Findings reveal that while some cooperative measures, such as joint demining operations, have been undertaken, broader collaboration in maritime security remains shaped by differing national priorities and geopolitical considerations. Future projects in energy supply also signal potential areas for deeper engagement. Türkiye's influence in this scenario remains critical, especially as it maintains its strategic balance between NATO commitments and its complex relationship with Russia. As a signatory of the Montreux Convention, Türkiye has a crucial role in controlling naval access to the Black Sea, which limits NATO's ability to send ships to the region. Romania, as a NATO member, has significantly increased its defense capabilities, in line with its broader security goals in the Black Sea. Using a comparative case analysis, this thesis utilizes both qualitative data from official statements, naval agreements, and expert interviews, as well as quantitative data such as content analysis of news, reports, existing statistics, joint military exercises, and defense spending.