A study highlights the Montreux Convention's role in NATO's Black Sea strategy and regional security amid evolving threats.
A research study published by two academics from Turkey in an international scientific journal addressed the effects of the Montreux Convention on NATO's military presence in the Black Sea and regional security. The study emphasized the stabilizing role of Montreux while arguing that Turkey's sovereign rights must be protected and regional cooperation strengthened in the face of changing security threats.
The ongoing war in the Black Sea, attacks on commercial vessels, and regional security risks have brought the strategic importance of the Montreux Convention back to the forefront, as a research study prepared by two academics from Turkey has been published in the international scientific community.
The academic article titled 'The Impact of the Montreux Convention on NATO Regarding the Security of the Black Sea Region,' prepared by Hanefi Yazıcı from Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University and Rüstü Salim Savaş Biçer from Istanbul Nişantaşı University, was published on October 9, 2026, in the journal Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, part of Springer Nature.
The research examined the effects of the Montreux Convention on NATO's defense approach on its eastern flank within the framework of international maritime law, geopolitical developments, and regional security relations.
Montreux is one of the fundamental elements of stability in the Black Sea.
The researchers revealed that the Montreux Convention continues to be a decisive regulation in terms of military balance and international security in the Black Sea.
The study noted that the limitations imposed by the convention on the passage of warships regulate military mobility in the region and create a predictable legal framework that reduces the risk of escalation between states.
It was emphasized that the Montreux regime plays an important role in shaping the security relations between the countries bordering the Black Sea and NATO.
NATO's military presence and regional cooperation.
The article pointed out that NATO's security approach in the Black Sea should be evaluated within the legal boundaries established by the Montreux Convention.
The researchers advocated for stronger coordination between NATO and the countries bordering the Black Sea to enhance deterrence against regional threats, improve crisis management, and protect critical energy transportation routes.
The study expressed that the development of common policies among regional states is significant for international security.
The Montreux debate in the face of new threats.
One of the notable findings of the research was the impact of technological developments on existing security regulations.
The academics stated that the increasing military use of space, cyber threats, technological advancements, and changes in global power balances directly affect Black Sea security.
In this context, the study argued that the Montreux Convention should be re-evaluated and updated in light of current strategic conditions to protect Turkey's sovereign rights.
Turkey's strategic position comes to the forefront.
The research evaluated Turkey's authority over the Istanbul and Çanakkale straits alongside its position regarding the security of the Black Sea.
While noting the continued importance of the Montreux Convention for regional stability, the study concluded that policies must be developed to adapt to the changing security environment.
Based on literature review, comparative analysis, and case studies, the study revealed that Montreux is not merely a convention regulating the passage of warships through the straits but is also an international legal framework that affects security balances in the Black Sea.
The research by Yazıcı and Biçer provides academic assessments regarding NATO's role in the Black Sea, Turkey's sovereign rights, and the future of regional security cooperation.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
