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Maritime Nation

Navigating the Black Sea: Naval Dimensions of the Ukraine War

Jan 14, 2025
Glen E. Howard, an expert on Russia and Eurasia and president of the Saratoga Foundation, joins Admiral James Foggo to uncover the naval dimensions of the Ukraine War. They discuss the Black Sea's pivotal role in global grain supply and draw parallels to the Persian Gulf. Key topics include Ukraine's enforcement of maritime defense, evolving naval strategies, and the geopolitical implications of naval engagements in the region. Howard emphasizes the need for strategic innovation as tensions rise amidst a changing landscape of warfare.
46:56

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The Black Sea's strategic importance is paramount for global trade, especially for grain exports, drawing parallels with the Persian Gulf's oil significance.
  • Ukrainian naval tactics have evolved towards hybrid warfare, leveraging technology like unmanned surface vehicles to combat Russian naval forces effectively.

Deep dives

The Geopolitical Importance of the Black Sea

The Black Sea holds significant geopolitical importance, particularly in the context of grain exports, similar to how the Persian Gulf is recognized for oil. Historically, the region has served as a strategic point for grain transport since ancient times, underscoring its vital role in global trade and security. Sevastopol, a critical naval base established during the era of Catherine the Great, enhances Russia's ability to project power into the Mediterranean, showing how control of this area influences broader global dynamics. The ongoing conflict highlights the multidimensional nature of warfare, where both land campaigns and maritime control are essential to national strategies.

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