The International Politics of the Red Sea

This pioneering book is the first comprehensive study of the Red Sea as a sub-region of the international system in its own right. Examining the international politics of the Red Sea region from the Cold War to the present day, it argues that the Red Sea area demonstrates the characteristics of a sub-regional system, given its increasing economic and social interdependence, greater regional integration, and flows of resources across it. It details how stronger regional powers - Egypt, Israel and Saudi Arabia - which co-habit the sub-region with much weaker, vulnerable and fragile states, are seeking to stamp their own authority on this dynamic sub-region. They have attempted to do so, the authors show, through extension of their military and economic influence where ever possible, while also forging regional partnerships aimed at protecting their interests or to fend off possible encroachment of others. The book discusses in great detail the security and military dynamics of the sub-region; land and maritime borders; as well as economic issues, including trade, migration, capital flows and transport. It covers developments across the Red Sea and also within all the states of this newly-forming sub-region.

Anoushiravan Ehteshami is Dean of Internationalisation and Professor of International Relations at Durham University, UK. He was the founding Head of the School of Government and International Affairs at Durham, and also the Vice-President of the British Society for Middle Eastern Studies. Emma C. Murphy is Professor of Political Economy in the School of Government and International Affairs at Durham University, UK. She is co-editor of Mediterranean Politics journal.