Russia's perspective on Turkey's Black Sea policy in the post Cold War era

The current stage of international relations is characterized by a dynamic development. The role of key participating States in international processes is being transformed and the balance of power has been redistributing not only in an economic but also in a military –political spheres. There is a transition to polycentric world system, in which considerable number of actors in international relations will determine the development of ongoing processes on the political arena. In the new polycentric international system, the importance of single regions, one of which is the Black Sea region. The Black Sea region (through which the main routes connecting east and west, north and south run), is becoming increasingly important, both regionally and globally. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Black Sea region has undergone significant political transformations, affecting both the region itself and the national security of Russia (as the heir to the USSR) and other countries in the region. Currently, there is a growing influence of regional actors, which are increasingly claiming to strengthen their own role in international relations. Turkey is positioning itself as a foreign policy reformer and an active actor in transforming the system of international relations, which certainly affects the key actors in contemporary international relations. Consistent and rigid implementation of this policy may lead to certain conflictual tensions with a global and regional actor, Russia, which will lead to an escalation of tensions in the Black Sea region. The subject of this study is Russia's vision of Turkish policy in the Black Sea region. The aim of the thesis is to investigate how the policy of the Republic of Turkey in the Black Sea region is conceived in Russia. This approach aims to contribute to a better understanding of the prospects for fruitful co-operation and interaction in the Black Sea Region from a regional security perspective.