Natia Gamkrelidze1; 1 Linnaeus University/Malmo University, Sweden
Discussion
This article focuses on Russian political elite perspectives regarding the Black Sea Region in the aftermath of Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014. It delves into the evolution of Russia's views on the area and examines if and how these perceptions have influenced Moscow's policy decisions from 2014 to the present. The study posits the Black Sea as a microcosm reflecting the dynamic shifts in global politics, underscoring the complex tensions underpinning the current conflicts between Russia, Turkey, and the West. While the West largely overlooked the region's strategic importance until the annexation of Crimea and Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine, this research addresses the scholarly gap by prioritizing the Russian angle. Employing an innovative blend of international relations theories and political psychology, this study aims to unravel the perceptions and actions taken by Russia.
