Publication

This brief discusses 1) the potential for the deployment of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in the Black Sea Region following the deterioration in relations between the West and Russia; and 2) the security implications of the black market trade of WMD components in the region. In general, the author contends that while it is unlikely that new forms of strategic weapons will be deployed to the Black Sea region, there could be an increase of tactical nuclear weapons dispatched to the area as a result of the deterioration of West-Russian relations. He also argues that while the transit of WMD components in the region remains a serious security challenge, positive developments related to the dismantlement of Syria's chemical weapons could lead to a reduction of this threat.