Maritime Security – Page 2 – think tanks monitor

A large urban billboard in Iran displaying political imagery and flags with the Persian text "Breaking Point" at the Strait of Hormuz.

The Scheldt Blockade and What It Tells Us About Hormuz

June 10, 2026

This article draws a precise historical parallel between the 16th-century Dutch blockade of the Scheldt and the ongoing crisis in the Strait of Hormuz. By analyzing the strategic implications of Iran’s new transit toll system, we explore how tactical military achievements may mask a broader, long-term shift in regional power. We examine why the normalization of this “toll booth” architecture challenges the credibility of international security guarantees and fundamentally alters global energy logistics.

Row of European Union flags flying in front of the modern European Commission headquarters building.

Europe Is Pursuing Strategic Autonomy — But Not Without America Yet

June 10, 2026

This analysis examines the strategic consequences of Operation Epic Fury, drawing a parallel between Iran’s current control of the Strait of Hormuz and the 16th-century Dutch blockade of the Scheldt. By exploring the limitations of tactical military success against structural economic shifts, this piece assesses the long-term impact on global energy security and the credibility of American regional guarantees. It highlights how the normalization of this new architecture challenges traditional sanctions frameworks and alters international diplomatic leverage.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan speaking at a podium with Turkish and Israeli flags in the background.

The Iran War Is Handing Turkey a Regional Opportunity It Did Not Ask For

June 6, 2026

The aftermath of the US-Iran conflict has unexpectedly positioned Turkey as a central player in regional security and trade. By leveraging its growing defense industry and anchoring vital alternative trade corridors like the Iraq Development Road, Ankara is capitalizing on Gulf states’ desires for strategic autonomy. This post analyzes how Turkey’s diplomatic maneuvering and new regional alignments, including the emerging Turkey-Pakistan-Saudi-Egypt quartet, are reshaping the Middle Eastern economic and geopolitical landscape.

Trump and Xi Jinping shaking hands during a formal meeting.

Trump’s Taiwan Arms Freeze Is a Strategic Gift to Beijing

June 5, 2026

The Trump administration’s decision to pause a significant arms package to Taiwan marks a departure from four decades of bipartisan defense strategy. By conditioning military support on bilateral relations with Beijing, this move undermines the Six Assurances and raises critical questions about Washington’s long-term reliability among its Indo-Pacific treaty allies.

A U.S. F-16 fighter jet in flight, representing military power and global base presence.

America’s Empire of Bases Is Starting to Cost Its Hosts Too Much

June 5, 2026

This analysis examines the growing strategic liability of the U.S. “empire of bases” in the Middle East. As the ongoing conflict with Iran reveals the vulnerability of host-nation infrastructure—exemplified by the devastating June 3 attack on Kuwait International Airport—we explore how the proliferation of low-cost, high-impact drone and missile technologies has fundamentally inverted the security guarantee the U.S. once provided. We assess whether the increasing risk of hosting U.S. forces will lead to a systemic denial of access, potentially forcing a retraction of American global reach and fundamentally altering the future of U.S. military power.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan walking through a crowded assembly hall.

Turkey Is Building the Military Network Iran Could Never Assemble

June 2, 2026

This analysis examines Turkey’s ambitious regional military strategy as demonstrated at the EFES-2026 exercise. By hosting troops from across North Africa and the Levant—including previously fractured Libyan factions and Syria’s newly reconstituted army—Ankara is moving beyond the proxy-based influence models of the past. We explore how Turkey is leveraging its institutional legitimacy and NATO status to formalize a durable military network, effectively creating a new strategic reality in the Middle East that challenges Israeli security planning and reshapes the regional balance of power.

A U.S. Navy warship sailing past commercial cargo container ships in a maritime chokepoint.

Hormuz Proved Chokepoints Can Be Weaponized. Asia Is Next.

May 22, 2026

This analysis explores the systemic vulnerability of global maritime chokepoints, highlighted by the recent closure of the Strait of Hormuz. We examine how drone technology and insurance market manipulation create catastrophic economic risks, with specific focus on Asia’s critical passages. The piece evaluates the geopolitical implications for China, the United States, and the intensifying competition over secondary trade corridors.

The national flag of India on the left and the green flag of the African Union featuring a map of Africa surrounded by gold stars on the right.

India-Africa Partnership Needs a New Strategic Push

May 18, 2026

This article examines the critical need for a strategic reset in India-Africa relations ahead of the May 2026 summit in New Delhi. Moving beyond historical sentiment, the analysis highlights capacity building, digital public infrastructure, and maritime cooperation as essential pillars to transform broad goodwill into measurable economic partnership.

Vladimir Putin shaking hands with an Iranian official in a formal setting.

Hormuz Crisis Elevates Russia’s Role in Iran Diplomacy

April 29, 2026

Iran is intensifying its diplomatic outreach to Moscow and regional brokers like Oman to navigate the ongoing Hormuz crisis. By prioritizing maritime security and economic stability over immediate nuclear talks, Tehran aims to leverage global energy concerns and Russia’s mediation to counter U.S. pressure and secure long-term regional guarantees.

JD Vance giving a thumbs-up while standing on the stairs of an airplane against a clear blue sky.

Trump’s Military Options Are Shrinking and Iran Knows It

April 15, 2026

President Trump’s decision to impose a naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz signals a transition to economic warfare as military options become increasingly unsustainable. Facing $2 billion in daily conflict costs and depleted missile stockpiles, Washington is struggling to maintain pressure while Iran leverages its geographic advantages and strategic patience.

A geographical map of the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz overlaid with a cargo ship.

The Ceasefire Is Signed, the Economic War Has Just Begun

April 13, 2026

The 2026 Iran War has triggered the largest energy supply disruption in history, dwarfing the shocks of 1973 and 1979. While the kinetic exchange has paused, the Strait of Hormuz remains commercially unusable due to a “Tehran Toll” system and a collapse in maritime insurance. With damage to Qatar’s LNG facilities projected to take years to repair, the global economy faces a structural “war premium” that threatens to push major economies into recession and force central banks to keep interest rates elevated through 2026.

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan shaking hands with Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in front of a historical mural.

Turkey in Somalia: Partner, Protector or Something Else?

April 13, 2026

What began as a 2011 famine relief mission has evolved into Turkey’s most ambitious geopolitical project. With its largest overseas military base, a newly deployed F-16 wing, and the “SOMTURK” joint venture controlling maritime resources, Ankara has become Somalia’s indispensable security guarantor. However, as the UAE, China, and Israel (via its recognition of Somaliland) jostle for influence, questions of Somali sovereignty and the lopsided terms of hydrocarbon deals are beginning to spark domestic and regional friction.

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Tag: Maritime Security

The Scheldt Blockade and What It Tells Us About Hormuz

Europe Is Pursuing Strategic Autonomy — But Not Without America Yet

The Iran War Is Handing Turkey a Regional Opportunity It Did Not Ask For

Trump’s Taiwan Arms Freeze Is a Strategic Gift to Beijing

America’s Empire of Bases Is Starting to Cost Its Hosts Too Much

Turkey Is Building the Military Network Iran Could Never Assemble

Hormuz Proved Chokepoints Can Be Weaponized. Asia Is Next.

India-Africa Partnership Needs a New Strategic Push

Hormuz Crisis Elevates Russia’s Role in Iran Diplomacy

Trump’s Military Options Are Shrinking and Iran Knows It

The Ceasefire Is Signed, the Economic War Has Just Begun

Turkey in Somalia: Partner, Protector or Something Else?

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