An Analysis of the Geopolitics of Maritime Transportation and Its Role in the Development of Iran's Political Economy (Case Study: Makrān Coast)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Associate Professor of Political Geography, Department of Geography, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Ph.D. student of political geography, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.

3 Ph.D. in political geography, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.

10.22124/gscaj.2024.27383.1300

Abstract

The coasts of Makrān, in connection with the Indian Ocean, have wide capacities in the field of development of maritime transport and transit of goods on an international scale. Investigations showed that investment in the field of port infrastructure and the development of maritime transport capacities and trade and commercial exchanges with the surrounding countries will be the basis for improving the country's geopolitical status in the maritime field. Taking advantage of these geographical advantages can provide economic and political development and help the region overcome geographical isolation. Therefore, the development of maritime transport, in alignment with foreign policy, is considered one of the factors and processes of power generation, which is a key focus of geopolitical studies. According to the nature of the problem and its subject, the present research method was descriptive-analytical and applied studies. The findings showed that paying attention to the geographical bases in the field of maritime transportation in the Makrān coast provides the basis for the activation of these capacities and, consequently, the sea-oriented economic dynamics, which will increase the geopolitical and geoeconomic power and influence of Iran on a regional and global scale. In this regard, Iran can prioritize the ports of this region and activate the North-South and even West-East corridors to foster regional integration and promote local political and economic development.

Highlights

-  The Makrān coasts, due to their geographical connection with the Indian Ocean, possess geopolitical and geoeconomic advantages on a global scale, which can enable Iran to overcome geostrategic constraints.

-   By further activating corridors, particularly the North-South and East-West routes, and enhancing maritime transportation through political and economic diplomacy, Iran's influence, especially in the Indian subcontinent and the Eurasian region, can be strengthened.

- The formation of oceanic unions from a geopolitical perspective and infrastructural investments in maritime transportation play a significant role in revitalizing the Makrān coasts and advancing the political economy of this region.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Geographical Studies of Coastal Areas Journal
Volume 5, Issue 4 - Serial Number 19
January 2025
Pages 97-118

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