Naval Statecraft in the Eastern Mediterranean: The Power Shift in Syria and Russia’s Maritime Strategy

Abstract

This study examines the repercussions of the power shift in Syria on the Russian presence in the Eastern Mediterranean through the concept of naval statecraft. Analyzing the Baathist regime’s contacts with the Russian navy in Syria through the concept of naval statecraft, the study focuses on the years 2011-2024 and operates under three headings: Platform Sovereignty, Strategic Fluidity, and Operational Access. Under “Platform Sovereignty,” the study examines how naval forces have shaped the understanding of sovereignty and political ideals in a way that goes beyond the goal of being a platform for war. The discussion on strategic fluency focuses on the influence of allies and partners on naval statecraft, and the section on operational access examines the focal points and operational capacities of the spheres of activity at the regional level. Within the framework of these topics, the study has two main objectives: to re-theorize the classically focused concept of sea power as naval statecraft and to analyze the repercussions of the changing regime in Syria on the Russian naval power in the Eastern Mediterranean within this theoretical framework.