THE STRATEGIC LOCATION OF EGYPT

  

            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 19^th 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 20^th and 21^st 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.