The most important country you’ve never heard about
Johnny Harris・24 minutes read
Iran-backed Houthi rebels threaten Red Sea cargo ships, affecting global trade and internet traffic. Djibouti's strategic location hosts multiple military bases crucial for stabilizing the region and ensuring the flow of global trade.
Insights
- G's Hy Rebels pose a significant threat to commercial ships, potentially causing prolonged blockages in a critical waterway.
- Djibouti's strategic importance, hosting multiple military bases from global powers, is pivotal for stabilizing the region and ensuring the flow of international trade through the Red Sea choke point.
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Recent questions
Why are military bases established in Djibouti?
Strategic location for stabilizing region and global trade.
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Summary
00:00
Red Sea Choke Point: Strategic Importance and Threats
- G's Hy Rebels pose a threat to commercial ships, potentially blocking a crucial waterway for weeks or months.
- Joint military strikes were in response to two months of attacks by Iran-backed Houthi movement on cargo ships in the Red Sea.
- The Red Sea choke point is vital, facilitating internet traffic, oil transport, and 30% of global container ships.
- The region is surrounded by unstable countries, civil wars, rebel militias, proxy wars, unstable governments, failed states, and pirates.
- Djibouti, a small arid country at the choke point, hosts military bases of the US, European powers, Japan, and China.
- Djibouti serves as a gateway for Ethiopia's trade, with 95% of its trade passing through the country.
- Djibouti's strategic importance led to the establishment of military bases by Japan, Italy, Spain, and Germany, hosted by France.
- Djibouti benefits economically from leasing land to foreign countries for military bases, boosting its economy.
- China's military base in Djibouti, opened in 2017, was justified by the pirate threat but also included infrastructure projects to win local favor.
- Djibouti's strategic location, hosting multiple military bases, is crucial for stabilizing the region and ensuring the flow of global trade.
15:46
"Geopolitical complexities of Djibouti's strategic location"
- Djibouti is the only place where the US and China have military bases next to each other, with accusations of spying and laser incidents between them.
- Russia wanted a base in Djibouti, but the US threatened to double their lease payment if they allowed it.
- Djibouti has almost a million residents who live amidst the military presence, with concerns about accidents and lack of interaction between soldiers and locals.
- Djibouti's dictator benefits from foreign deals, despite accusations of human rights abuses and lack of democracy.
- Foreign aid has reduced hunger in Djibouti, but the country still struggles economically.
- Djibouti plays a complex geopolitical game, balancing relationships with various countries like the UAE, Eritrea, and Qatar.
- Djibouti strategically kicked out the UAE and gave a port to China, showcasing their ability to navigate international power dynamics.
- Djibouti's location at a vital chokepoint makes it crucial in global geopolitics, with potential risks and rewards in managing relationships with major powers.
