Geopolitics of the Middle East - Essay Example

Geopolitics of the Middle East Task: Geopolitics of the Middle East Introduction The Persian Gulf is located strategically since it connects many countries. Additionally, the largest portion of crude oil reserves and gas resources is in the region. According to Sajedi (2009), many countries depend on the Persian Gulf energy resources, and any hindrance of the energy exportation from this region can make other countries suffer. The geopolitical significance of the region arises majorly from the oil reserves.
Geopolitical and strategic significance of the Persian Gulf
Based on its strategic location, the region has attracted many traders for a very long time resulting to conflicts over its control. The transportation of many tanks of oil and the importation of goods needed by individuals in the regions shows the significance of its waterways. The widespread coastlines evident in the Persian Gulf make allow shipping. This oil-producing region can affect the financial systems of the countries that import oil from it (Zalloi, 2008). This is because; the Persian Gulf can manipulate the prices and quantities of the oil and gases they export. For instance, the US financial system can be affected since the state heavily relies on the energy produced in the Persian Gulf (Zalloi, 2008).
Based on the largest percentage of oil reserves in the region, it will still enjoy special consideration (Popiden 2011). This is because; the current development in the world has increased energy consumptions. After a few decades, some of the oil producing regions except the Persian Gulf will cease to produce oil. For instance, United States is the largest energy consumer globally, and after a few years, its oil production will decrease (Popiden 2011). On the contrary, the oil production and exports will increase in the Persian Gulf, and this has made the region acquire special significance in the United States international policy. Hence, the oil reserves in the Persian Gulf are connected with the interests and control of the United States (Zalloi, 2008).
Apart from the United States, other developed states like Europe, Japan, and China have invested in the region. This is to enjoy the economic progress of the region (Popiden, 2011). Additionally, they have invested recover the money used to buy oil. The dependence on oil by these developed countries makes Americans interested in controlling the oil exports in the region. Because of its strategic geographical position and its abundant resources, the region has become part of the US national security interest. For example, after the Second World War, the intention of the US has been to dominate the Persian Gulf by controlling its security (Chomsky, 2007). The withdrawal of the British from the region was a great opportunity to the United States, since the country wanted to replace the British in controlling the region’s security (Popiden 2011).
Conclusion
The Persian Gulf geographical location and it natural resources have contributed to the fiscal development of the region. The region plays a geopolitical role in the creation of the global order. It has the largest oil and gas reserves, compared to other oil and gas producing countries. This means that the Persian Gulf will continue to exports its oil and gas after these resources have been exhausted in other countries. Consequently, the developing regions such as the United States and Asia have invested in the region in order enjoy the financial benefits.
References
Ajedi, A. (2009). Geopolitics of the Persian Gulf Security: Iran and the United States. Retrieved from
http://www.ipripak.org/journal/summer2009/Article5.pdf
Chomsky, N. (2007). War, Geopolitics, and History. Retrieved from
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8431351908091440891#
Popiden, S. (2011). Challenges and opportunities of US strategic interests in the Middle East. TVABSC. Retrieved from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1lQ6Jk4HTY
Zalloi, M. (2008). Oil and a gas strategic regional cooperation between Perasian Gulf
countries: Iran’s Natural Gas Export. Retrieved from
http://www.worldenergy.org/documents/congresspapers/271.pdf Read More