Social Sciences and Humanities Open (Jan 2024)
The new global superpower geo-strategic rivalry in the red sea and its implications for peace and security in the horn of Africa
Abstract
This article's major goal is to assess the port and military base competitions and rivalries that have recently taken place in the Red Sea between international, regional, and local forces and how they may have an impact on the stability and security of the Horn of Africa. The study's methodology was qualitative. Secondary sources such as books, journal papers, periodicals, newspaper stories, and websites were used to acquire the approach and data. The information gathered from secondary sources is therefore discussed analytically. The article makes the case that the Horn of Africa played a crucial role in the formation of the security and economic trajectory due to superpower ambitions, military might, and political and economic influence. In this setting, geopolitical and geo-economics agendas that go well beyond the immediate region are being interwoven with security developments in the Horn. As a result, the involvement of outside actors and the ensuing interests, alliances, and agendas have both beneficial and negative effects on the governments in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea. In terms of the positive implications of superpower engagement, it provides chances for growth and integration, but in terms of the negative implications, it poses significant risks because the Horn of Africa region is prone to intra- and interstate warfare. Additionally, it increases the likelihood of proxy wars, rising geopolitical interests, and tensions, all of which are barriers to conflict resolution and long-term peace in the region. The articles contend that because of this, the regimes in the Horn have a tendency to support one another rather than try to topple one another. Additionally, this paper makes the case those regional organisations like IGAD should reevaluate Red Sea dynamics in order to foster trust among participants, advance shared economic and security interests, and guarantee the continued growth of those interests.
