Flash Points: How the Red Sea became a trap

The roots of the current crisis, and its geopolitical implications. FEBRUARY 11, 2024  |  [VIEW IN BROWSER](     Sponsored by The [George Washington University, Elliott School of International Affairs]( [An aerial view shows the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a sea route connecting the Indian Ocean and Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal, on Oct. 22, 2022.]( An aerial view shows the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a sea route connecting the Indian Ocean and Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal, on Oct. 22, 2022. Gallo Images/Orbital Horizon/Copernicus Sentinel Data 2021 “The recent history of the Red Sea reads like a macabre thriller, from industrial-scale hostage-taking by pirates to tit-for-tat naval attacks between Israel and Iran in international waters to unchecked drug and arms smuggling,” Nicholas W. Stephenson Smith [wrote]( in 2021, two and a half years before the current Red Sea crisis. The surge of Houthi militant attacks on container ships that has rattled global trade is only the latest chapter of the Red Sea’s recent troubles. This edition of Flash Points examines the crisis and its geopolitical implications, but also its historic roots and the legacy of colonialism in the region.—Chloe Hadavas   [1]( [How the Red Sea Became a Trap]( From piracy to the Ever Given, colonialism left hard scars. By Nicholas W. Stephenson Smith   [2]( [The Red Sea Crisis Proves China Was Ahead of the Curve]( The Belt and Road Initiative wasn’t a sinister plot. It was a blueprint for what every nation needs in an age of uncertainty and disruption. By Parag Khanna   [3]( [In the Red Sea, the Royal Navy Is Back]( Britannia once ruled the waves. As the Houthis threaten global shipping, U.K. naval power is reprising its old role. By Elisabeth Braw   [4]( [The Houthis’ Next Target May Be Underwater]( Cutting or damaging subsea cables could disrupt data and financial communications between Europe and Asia. By Keith Johnson   [5]( [Why Egypt Has the Most to Lose From Houthi Strikes on Merchant Ships]( The attacks harm global trade, but the regional impact might be worse. By Cameron Abadi, Adam Tooze Sponsored [Explore the Elliott School’s Lifelong Value]( Whether you’re just starting your career and looking to develop your expertise, or aiming to leverage your experience towards greater advancement, a graduate program at the Elliott School of International Affairs offers the advantage you’re looking for. Build the skills, knowledge, and network you need to make an impact on the global issues that matter most to you. [Click]( to learn more.   [Subscribe to Foreign Policy]( [Sign up for SitRep]( [FP is heading to the Munich Security Conference Feb. 16-18. Sign up for the Situation Report newsletter for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most consequential gatherings of world leaders.]( [GET ON THE LIST](   [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [LinkedIn]( You’re receiving this email at {EMAIL} because you signed up for FP's Flash Points newsletter. [MANAGE YOUR EMAIL PREFERENCES]( | [VIEW OUR PRIVACY POLICY]( | [UNSUBSCRIBE]( Interested in partnering with FP on events, podcasts, or research? [Explore FP Solutions](. [Foreign Policy]( is a division of Graham Holdings Company. All contents © 2023 Graham Digital Holding Company LLC. All rights reserved. Foreign Policy, 655 15th St NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC, 20005.