WITH THE AID OF A MAP DISCUSS THE STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF EGYPT :MY ANSWER
THE area known as Egypt has been established by
historians as being a significant part in world history. it should be noted, that
the Arab republic of Egypt holds this status in history for many reasons among
which is it Geo-strategic significance in the world. Accordingly, the geography
of Egypt spans between three continent; AFRICA, EUROPE AND
ASIA(TRANSCONTINENTAL). It suffices to be observed that Egypt is a Mediterranean country and is bordered by the Gaza
strip and Israel to the north east, the
gulf of Agaba to the east the red sea to the east and south Sudan to the south
and Libya to the west.
The Geo-strategic position of Egypt in world view cannot be overemphasized .Aside from
being a transcontinental nation, it possesses a land bridge known as the
isthmus of Suez which lies between Africa and Asia. this is further buffered by
the existence of a navigable waterway known as the Suez canal which connects
the Mediterranean sea with the Indian ocean by way of the red sea.
From earliest
time, Egypt’s strategic location has
facilitated trading activities in Africa. Historians are agreed that during the
trans Saharan trade period routes passing through Egypt played a huge role in
transporting some of Africa’s commodities to the wider world. Also, its position
allowed for the flow of new cultures and traditions into the area due to its
close proximity to other continents.
Furthermore, according to some scholars such as Olukoya Ogen Egypt during the 19th century
witnessed a surge in European interest. Olukoya Ogen points out in his paper In
the book titled Egypt and the Nile valley:
a reader that the “opening of the Suez canal in 1869 marked a turning point in
the history of Egypt as well as its relationship with the west”. given, that
the canal eased access from Europe to Asia
and also cut the cost of transport.
On this
foundation, given the interest of Britain who sought to establish strong holds in India, the fareast ,and
Australasia the canal was described “as the jugular vein of Britain’s global empire” again pointing out Egypt’s
geostrategic importance in world history.
It is
important to note that ,that these interest further escalated into full scale
colonization o f the area. however overtime they gained her independence and
sought to build a redefined status in the world. hence, they formally took
control of the hitherto colonial held Suez canal in 1956.interestingly,this
action sparked intense conflict among world powers which was later resolved in
favor of Egypt who arose as a regional power.
Also, it is
important to add that the advent of crude oil as major commodity in global
maritime transport has further facilitated the strategic importance of Egypt .it
is said, that almost 20 percent of the world oil now travels through the red
sea in addition to the already existing trade shipments passing through the red
sea .
It suffices to
say ,that given the power vacuum left by Britain and the likes in Egypt world
powers like the united states during the 20th and 21st
century have tied great importance to the region in a bid to influence
activities and policies in the middle east.
From the
foregoing, what is clear is the fact that egypts geography and strategic
location has affected activities in Africa Europe and Asia and still continues
to act as a dominant force in the world. Thus, a vivid assessment would show
the geostrategic importance of Egypt which would projectively and constantly
remain a significant area in world politics.
