Book excerpt: "The focus, and importance, of geopolitics in the United States is evident by the number of references in the 2018 National Security Strategy (NSS). The NSS mentions Geopolitics ten times throughout the-relatively small-document. Specifically the NSS states "Russia began to reassert its influence regionally and globally" and "they are contesting our geopolitical advantages and trying to change the international order in their favor." The Black Sea region, and specifically Bulgaria and Romania, have been a focus of both the United States, to include the European Union, and Russia. Bulgaria and Romania face a distinct challenge for a foreign military basing presence because of their geographical location and two global powers competing for their allegiance. Russia and the western countries, including the United States, have identified the geopolitical importance of the Black Sea region. Both global powers have projected an interest in the region and a similar apprehension for the other's presence. Maintaining an awareness of Bulgaria and Romania's political institutions, continuing to provide incentives to key political leaders, and utilizing a cooperative security strategy with key states in the region will, mitigate the challenge of Russian influence creating dissent for a foreign military presence in the region, and ensure success in establishing and preserving a global basing strategy in the Black Sea region."--Introduction.