Strait of Tensions

A new Volume in the Collection "Geopolitics", "Strait of Tensions", authored by the esteemed French Think Tank's GEW Reports & Analyses Team, delves into the complex geopolitical dynamics surrounding the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

One of the key chokepoints in the Red Sea is the Bab el Mandeb strait, a narrow waterway situated between the coasts of Yemen and the African continent. This strait holds immense strategic and economic significance, acting as a doorway to the Suez Canal and ultimately, the Mediterranean Sea. Any disturbances to the safe passage of ships through the Bab el Mandeb can have far-reaching consequences for global trade and the stability of the wider region. The crisis in the Red Sea extends beyond a mere issue of maritime security; it has a direct impact on the cost of oil, which in turn affects economies across the globe. Given the region's importance as a major route for oil exports, any disruptions to the flow of oil through the Red Sea can have severe ramifications for global oil markets. Shipping delays, heightened risk of attacks, and potential blockades can lead to a sharp rise in oil prices, impacting industries and consumer prices worldwide.