Straits of Discord

Maritime transport is the backbone of global trade, moving over 80 per cent of goods traded worldwide by volume. Several studies have predicted a significant increase in population and urbanization in Africa, Asia and South America by 2050, resulting in the massive development of future societies and megacities. These factors underscore an urgent need for improvements in port infrastructure.

- BY JAYITA MUKHOPADHYAY

Population growth, urbanisation and industrialisation are increasing future demand for food and water, while deteriorating conditions of environment, climate change and cataclysmic events like the Covid 19 pandemic are further exacerbating the challenges of ensuring uninterrupted global supply chains. As a result, the demand for water-borne food, sea transportation and port infrastructure has increased significantly. The increase in aquatic food production is a growing reality, while reducing the environmental impact of global maritime transportation is a major concern of the global community. In response to pressures from the global community, the maritime industry is compelled to adhere to stricter regulations and voluntary standards in the areas of health, safety, security and the environment. However, a noteworthy cog in the wheel of world trade is ensuring the free navigability of some prominent straits and canals connecting major and minor players of world trade.

The Ukraine-Russia war, the recent US-China tariff war, the Palestine-Israel conflict, a disturbed South Asia and an overambitious China eager to gain global hegemony, combined with the threats of terrorism and fundamentalism, are taking the world community away from the so called liberal international order, created after World War II by the US and its western allies. After a 70-year run, the global liberal order is under threat. The future of liberal democracy, open markets and common security pacts hang in the balance. There are red flags everywhere from outbreaks of populism to the spread of protectionism and trade wars.