Publication Date

4-2022

School

Helms School of Government

Major

International Relations

Keywords

Globalism, Geopolitics, Geography, Middle East, Chokepoints, Territorial Disputes, Syrian Refugee Crisis, Religious Tension, Regional Instability

Disciplines

European Law | International Law | Jurisdiction

Abstract

The important geography of the Middle East contributes to the unquestionable value of the region in international relations. Through examining the origin of geopolitics as well as the relevant political theories, and then applying these theories to the current state of the Middle East, it is evident that the geography of the Middle East has impacted the region’s international significance and stability. Understanding the unique geography assists in explaining the region’s current turmoil. The opposing interests in religion, land, and power catalyze tensions across the Middle East, producing an unstable environment around trade route chokepoints and disputed territories. War, political unrest, humanitarian crisis, and terrorism are a few of the unresolved problems within the Middle East. Consequently, these issues not only changed the Middle East’s current political climate, but through globalization affect the cultures and economies of the connected regions in Europe and Africa. The geopolitics of the Middle East explains the devastation in the region, which globalization has spread to transform Europe and Africa economically, culturally, and politically.

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