This chapter highlights the importance of seas and oceans in the process of globalization today. Coastal areas, per se, however, are not the focus of study. This study will start by examining the ways in which the maritimization of economies and the opening of international trade give seas and oceans a fundamental role in the supply of resources (halieutics, energy, biochemicals), and in material and immaterial exchanges. However, the relative importance of roads/routes and itineraries differ according to the nature of the flows (raw materials, intermediate products, industrial, information).
Furthermore, territories are unequally integrated into globalization. Sea routes and submarine cables, as well as harbors and areas of exploitation are concentrated on a few main axes.
However, major changes are taking place that increase the geostrategic stakes and power rivalries, especially around channels and international straits. The development and use of the seas and oceans manifest tensions between contradictory objectives, such as the desire for exclusive rights/ control and the freedom of movement or exploitation of natural resources versus conservation.
This explains in large part why the demarcation of exclusive economic zones (EEZs) is today the main cause of tension between states competing over the resources present in these areas and the desire of these states to exploit these resources.
Furthermore, territories are unequally integrated into globalization. Sea routes and submarine cables, as well as harbors and areas of exploitation are concentrated on a few main axes.
However, major changes are taking place that increase the geostrategic stakes and power rivalries, especially around channels and international straits. The development and use of the seas and oceans manifest tensions between contradictory objectives, such as the desire for exclusive rights/ control and the freedom of movement or exploitation of natural resources versus conservation.
This explains in large part why the demarcation of exclusive economic zones (EEZs) is today the main cause of tension between states competing over the resources present in these areas and the desire of these states to exploit these resources.
Key Questions
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Key Terms
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Learning Objectives
- Identify the main maritime routes and the major stakes
- Evaluate the importance of maritime spaces in globalization.
- Analyze why access to the sea affects territories unequally.
- Analyze how conflicting interests in maritime spaces leads to tensions between states.
- Analyze and provide examples of geopolitical issues associated with maritime spaces
- Evaluate the economic, diplomatic and military importance of maritime spaces for France and the United States respectively.