NATO’s public diplomacy approach in the Black Sea region. A process in the making?

Abstract

This paper explores NATO’s evolving public diplomacy strategies, with a focus on its efforts in the Black Sea region amidst the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The NATO Public Diplomacy Division (PDD) has increasingly prioritized transparency, countering disinformation and strengthening resilience across member and partner states, utilizing digital platforms to engage diverse audiences, as well as efforts to reinforce collective defense commitments and counter Russian narratives  Central to this strategy is NATO 2030, which seeks to address emerging threats such as cyberattacks, climate change and geopolitical competition, while fostering engagement with youth and non-traditional stakeholders. The article highlights the Black Sea region case, where NATO has intensified its outreach through high-profile military exercises, media collaboration and diplomatic initiatives, with Romania serving as a key strategic partner. Additionally, the paper suggests that NATO could enhance its public diplomacy by adopting a "whole-of-society" approach, inspired by Sweden’s model, to engage local communities and strengthen trust, thus improving regional stability and cooperation.