2023-06-28 06:00:00
28/06/2023
Geopolitical assessment of Oman.- Natalia Torregrosa Ramos
The Sultanate of Oman has important strengths that can favor a situation of stability. The geographical position is the country’s greatest asset: located at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz and in the Indian Ocean, its three ports are vital in global maritime trade. Likewise, Oman is highly respected in the field of mediation and Muscat has achieved great visibility as a center for diplomatic negotiations aimed at reducing conflict in the Arab region. The social cohesion of this nation is reinforced by Ibadi Islam, a doctrine that does not promote religious rivalry. Among the productive sectors on the rise, mining stands out: the deposits extend throughout the territory and are valuable from the point of view of renewable energy. However, Oman also has weaknesses: its meager oil reserves are close to depletion. Regarding its military capabilities, the defense industry is underdeveloped, as the country has been a large importer of arms and, in particular, is highly dependent on the United Kingdom for defense and security.
The geopolitical analysis carried out leads us to conclude that the probability of a conflict brewing in Oman is medium, because two conflicting actors converge in the port of Duqm —USA. USA and China—and this Indian Ocean enclave is already an unstable space.
Document prepared by Natalia Torregrosa Ramos. Analyst of the Spanish Institute of Strategic Studies.
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