CIRCUMVENTING THE MIDDLE EAST CHOKEPOINTS

This book examines the impact of chokepoints in Middle East geopolitics. In the last few years, as the number of conflicts and political tensions in the Arab world and countries surrounding the Gulf has increased, chokepoints as a tactic to hinder the "enemy" have become more prominent. To evade the chance of getting "choked", regional actors with the support of extra-regional countries are investing in new port infrastructures such as at Duqm, Gwadar and Chabahar. This book investigates the geopolitical significance of old, new and under-construction seaports in the Middle East region. The book intends to answer the following questions:How have the regional chokepoints, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, influenced foreign and strategic policies of the Middle East countries?Can the new ports being developed in the Gulf region reduce vulnerabilities to oil trade from the Middle East to the other parts of the world?How have the USA, India, and China engaged with each other on port-related infrastructure strategy?