The book traces Russia's relationship with the Black Sea from the rise of the Russian Empire to present-day conflicts, using primary documents, naval records, and trade statistics. Initially, the geographic and geopolitical significance of the Black Sea is introduced, followed by an exploration of Russian naval history, including the establishment and strategic deployments of the Black Sea Fleet. The analysis of trade networks details commodity flows and the impact of geopolitical tensions, culminating in an assessment of the region's future, making it valuable for those interested in military strategy and Russian history.