STRATEGIC FLASHPOINTS: NATO’S CONTAINMENT OF RUSSIA IN THE BLACK SEA AND ARCTIC REGIONS; [Puncte fierbinți strategice: îngrădirea Rusiei de către NATO în zona Mării Negre și în regiunea arctică]

This study examines the strategic significance of NATO’s containment policy in the Black Sea and Arctic regions and its impact on Russia’s geopolitical and military responses. These areas, once peripheral to play only a minor role in global security dynamics, have become critical flashpoints because of NATO enlargement and increasing Russian aggression. By applying George Kennan’s containment theory to NATO’s post-Cold War strategy, this study examines how NATO’s actions have contributed to the escalation of tensions in these regions. The analysis addresses the challenges and risks NATO faces in maintaining its containment approach and offers insights into the future relationship between NATO and Russia.