The Red Sea has become a hotspot of geopolitical tension as the United States, alongside British forces and allies like Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands, has intensified military strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. This marks the second such operation within a span of ten days, responding to the Iran-aligned group's persistent attacks on commercial shipping since last November.
The Houthis claim their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians, aligned with Israel's ongoing offensive in Gaza. These attacks have significantly disrupted global shipping routes, raising alarms about the potential destabilization of the Middle East and its far-reaching effects on global geopolitics and the economy.
Mosharraf Zaidi, a Pakistani geopolitical analyst and senior fellow at the Islamabad-based think-tank Tabadlab, highlights the deep-rooted issues fueling this crisis. He emphasizes that the ongoing conflict in Gaza serves as a catalyst for regional and non-state actors to create instability. According to Zaidi, the international community's inability to curb the violence in Gaza allows crises like the Red Sea disruptions to flourish.
The economic implications of the Red Sea turmoil are profound. Drawing parallels to the COVID-19 pandemic, Zaidi explains that disruptions in major shipping lanes can lead to severe supply chain and logistics challenges, resulting in price hikes, inflation, shortages, and even social unrest worldwide. Key trade routes, such as the Suez Canal and the Red Sea, are vital for the transportation of goods between the West and the East, including significant shipping lines from India and China.
Zaidi points out that the sustained support from the U.S. and other Western governments for Israel's actions in Gaza is a major factor contributing to these destabilizing events. He suggests that the United States faces a critical choice: continue its support for Israel or prioritize global trade stability and security. Zaidi asserts that maintaining uninterrupted and predictable supply chains is incompatible with ongoing support for the offensive in Gaza.
Regarding China's role, Zaidi notes that while the Chinese mainland maintains strong relations with key Middle Eastern countries, it faces limitations in influencing the behavior of its allies and partners. However, as Western influence wanes, there is an increasing expectation for China to take a more proactive role in fostering stability and security in the region.
The unfolding situation in the Red Sea underscores the interconnectedness of regional conflicts and global economic stability. As nations navigate these turbulent waters, the decisions made by major powers will have lasting impacts on both geopolitical dynamics and the global economy.
Reference(s):
'Red Sea crisis tied to U.S. support for Israel's Gaza offensive'
cgtn.com
