Towards a comprehensive regional security framework in the Black Sea region after the Russia-Georgia war

The August 2008 war between Russia and Georgia has had a major negative impact on the security of the Black Sea region. However, the conflict not only elevated the perception of threat among regional states, it also opened a window of opportunity for making progress on important regional issues including other protracted regional conflicts such as Nagorno-Karabakh, redefining the role of Turkey and Russia in the region, expanding the EU role, and starting new discussions on regional and wider European security. This article assesses the prospects for creating a comprehensive cooperative security community in the Black Sea region, possible drivers for enhanced regional cooperation, and major obstacles that hinder the process.