In the mounting tension between Great Powers, the Black Sea holds a particular strategic importance. It represents the waterway connecting Europe, Russia and the Middle East and is believed to host substantial reserves of hydrocarbons. It’s unique location makes it an important gateway for gas pipelines fuelling European markets and is a key theatre in the confrontation between Russia and NATO.

As a country that’s particularly susceptible to climate change, Vietnam will face a daunting assortment of security, economic, and political challenges in the decades to come.

Long the site of great power competition, the Black Sea region appears to be heating up once again.