Case Study: Black Sea Ramming, 1988

This case study is excerpted from a forthcoming study to be published through Chatham House, provisionally entitled What Deters Russia. As NATO Allies consider or undertake freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) in areas of heightened political and military sensitivity for Russia, there is awareness that this may lead to an assertive response by Russia. A previous instance of FONOPs leading to a potentially dangerous confrontation is worth considering in detail for the lessons it provides on the multiple and complex factors that can lead to miscalculation in these circumstances.