THE SHIFTING DYNAMICS OF MARITIME SECURITY IN THE RED SEA: STRATEGIC INTERESTS OF GULF STATES AND EXTERNAL POWERS

Abstract

The study analyzing changing landscape of maritime security in Red Sea, which is progressively characterized by geopolitical competition, proxy wars and strategic competitions. Resting on the concepts of realists and neoclassical realists, the research investigates the role of global leaders, such as the United States and China, as well as regional players in making the Red Sea environment strategically controllable through the military, economic, and ideological aspects. Concluding remarks indicate that conflicts in Yemen and Gaza have raised the security threats of pirates, naval assaults and trade interferences through sea. Some of the objectives of the study will be to examine the effect of the regional crises, emerging global strategic interests, and evaluate the wide implications on the economy. In line with the findings, the policy implications involve multilateral cooperation, preventing the supply of arms to the proxies, more naval defense and political resolution of any active conflicts. This study can be used to add knowledge in the relationship between regional instabilities and problems with maritime security in the world.