ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the nature of maritime power. It outlines three criteria that will be used to examine each of the littoral state's maritime power: quantitative factors, qualitative factors and the context in which they use the maritime domain. Quantitative and qualitative factors are the means or resources available for use in the maritime domain and a states capacity to use them including such issues as the levels of military professionalism, service personnel morale and training. As maritime power, the ability to use the maritime domain to achieve a political effect, is an element of military power, it is also shaped and influenced by internal political issues such as economic development and investment in the defence industries and political stability. As discussed in the chapter, the utility and application of maritime power by the Black Sea states depends on the particular context provided by the Black Sea security environment.
