The Impact of Port Engineering Development in the Makran Coasts on Regional Security and the Oman Sea from the Perspective of Some International Relations Theories
Keywords:
sustainable security, Makran coasts, geopolitical capacities, port development, geopolitics, international relations schoolsAbstract
The present article examines the role of port development in the southeast region of Iran, especially the Makran coasts, in enhancing sustainable security and improving relations with neighboring countries. This region, with its long coastlines and strategic geopolitical position, hosts Iran’s only oceanic port. Port engineering development has been in progress for years in the northern and southern ports, particularly along the Makran coasts. The main question posed by this article is whether expanding and increasing the number of ports along the coastline can help promote sustainable security and improve relations with neighboring countries. The purpose of this research is to explain the geopolitical capacities of southeast Iran’s coasts, focusing on port development, and to examine the challenges this development faces. In this regard, the causes of these challenges are analyzed, and solutions for overcoming them and achieving sustainable development are presented. The research findings indicate that port development must be carried out in a way that not only strengthens regional cooperation but also maintains a balance in the participation of regional countries. This goal is analyzed by employing various theories in International Relations, including neorealism, neoliberalism, the Copenhagen School, constructivism, international regimes, and the Critical School. From a neorealist perspective, port development can serve as a tool for increasing national power and creating a regional balance of power. However, this development must be planned so as to prevent the emergence of hegemony by powerful regional states. Neoliberalism underscores the role of international regimes and regional cooperation in port development, positing that port expansion can reduce tensions and increase economic and security cooperation by establishing international institutions and agreements. International regimes related to maritime transportation, maritime security, and trade can provide a framework for regional cooperation and facilitate international investment in port development projects. The Copenhagen School highlights the importance of securitization and the role of discourse in defining security threats. Port development can, as part of a securitization strategy, help increase sustainable security in the region. Constructivism emphasizes the role of norms and identities in shaping international relations. Port development can contribute to creating shared norms and strengthening regional identity, which, in turn, improves relations with neighboring countries. The Critical School takes a more analytical and critical approach, examining structural inequalities and hidden power dynamics in international relations. From this viewpoint, port development is seen not only as an economic or security project but also as a process that may reproduce or exacerbate existing inequalities in the international system. Hence, port development in southeast Iran must take into account social justice, the equitable distribution of benefits, and the avoidance of economic and political exploitation of weaker countries in the region. The Critical School also stresses the role of social movements and public participation in the development process, arguing that port development should consider local community interests and environmental concerns. In conclusion, the article proposes that port development in southeast Iran be planned in such a way that it takes into account the balance of power, regional cooperation, avoidance of hegemonic tendencies by powerful countries, and attention to social justice and the environment, thereby leading to sustainable security and improved relations with neighboring countries. This requires addressing existing challenges and providing practical solutions to overcome them. Moreover, engagement with international regimes and consideration of critical perspectives can serve as effective tools for facilitating regional cooperation, garnering international support, and achieving sustainable and equitable port development
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