Relations of Russia with Libya and Syria within the context of warm water policy

Geopolitical theories and geographical factors are crucial for understanding power balances and competition in international relations. The theories of Halford Mackinder, Nicholas Spykman, and Alfred Thayer Mahan demonstrate that the aspiration for warm waters is a synthesis of geographic factors and political processes at the core of geopolitical thinking. Access to warm-water ports enables Russia to have economic resources, control maritime trade routes, and expand its geopolitical influence. Particularly evident in examples like Syria and Libya, Russia's policy of seeking warm waters enhances its regional presence by projecting naval power and bolstering its influence. This study focuses on a significant topic within the context of power balances and international relations in the Mediterranean by examining the strategic objectives, implementations, and consequences of Russia's policy of seeking warm waters. It evaluates the Russian Maritime Doctrine as a concrete example shaped by the unique geopolitical situation and strategic priorities of Russia, influenced by the theories of Mackinder, Spykman, and Mahan. In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of the warm water policy, focusing on understanding Russia's efforts to legitimize its presence in the Mediterranean and examining its impact on regional power dynamics. The concluding section of this study addresses how Russia's warm water policy has evolved throughout history and its strategic significance in contemporary international relations. The aim of this thesis is to both systematically convey Russia's policy of landing on the warm seas and to guide future research in the field of international relations and geopolitics.