الجغرافيا السياسيَّة للأمن البحري في الشرق الأوسط: دراسة تحليلية للتوترات الإستراتيجيَّة في البحر الأحمر ومضيق هرمز وباب المندب

Abstract

This study analyzes the impact of geopolitical tensions in the Straits of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb on Arab maritime security during the period 2015–2025, amid growing regional and international competition over strategic maritime routes. The study adopts geopolitical and comparative approaches, supported by the regional system and national interest perspectives, to examine the nature of security threats and their implications for maritime navigation and energy security.
The findings indicate that the Straits of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb represent critical nodes within the global and Arab maritime security architecture due to their strategic importance in international trade and energy transportation. The results further demonstrate that escalating political and military tensions have increased security risks and led to higher shipping and insurance costs. In addition, the study identifies variations in threat patterns between the two straits: while the Strait of Hormuz is mainly exposed to conventional military threats linked to regional and international power rivalry, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait faces asymmetric threats, including piracy and activities conducted by armed non-state actors.
The study also concludes that the absence of a unified Arab maritime security framework undermines effective crisis response and heightens regional vulnerability. Accordingly, it recommends strengthening joint Arab coordination in maritime security and enhancing maritime monitoring and protection capabilities. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the activation of Arab maritime diplomacy as a preventive instrument to mitigate geopolitical escalation and ensure the long-term security of strategic maritime corridors.