Black Sea Trade by Sabine Lorca

Black Sea Trade explores Russia's long-standing strategic interests in the Black Sea, revealing its crucial role in Russian foreign policy, naval history, and international trade. This book examines how Russia has historically used the Black Sea for economic gain and to project military power, influencing regional trade networks and geopolitics. The narrative underscores the consistent ambition of Russia to maintain regional dominance, influencing its involvement in conflicts, trade policies, and relationships with neighboring nations.

The book traces Russia's relationship with the Black Sea from the rise of the Russian Empire to present-day conflicts, using primary documents, naval records, and trade statistics. Initially, the geographic and geopolitical significance of the Black Sea is introduced, followed by an exploration of Russian naval history, including the establishment and strategic deployments of the Black Sea Fleet. The analysis of trade networks details commodity flows and the impact of geopolitical tensions, culminating in an assessment of the region's future, making it valuable for those interested in military strategy and Russian history.