ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the challenges of building a small effective and efficient navy. It argues that Romania's relationship with two Black Sea littoral states, Russia and Ukraine, and one key player in the region, the US, play an important role in shaping the ability of its small navy to use the maritime domain. Romania has important economic and security interests in the Black Sea. At a recent meeting of Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) the Romanian President highlighted the importance of Black Sea cooperation for the Romanian economy. With important security and energy interests in the Black Sea, Romania provides an interesting case study of the challenges of building a small professional navy. Early attempts to build a small navy were initially hampered by the delay in military reform due to political instability and the failure to reform and restructure the Romanian economy. As a result of these early challenges, Romania's maritime power was severely limited.
