The Straits of Hormuz
Superpowers posturing in volatile Gulf, The Bulletin: Eurovision
Thursday 23 January 2020 – Vol.11 Ed.4.3
Commentary: Superpowers posturing in volatile Gulf
By Joergen Oerstroem Moeller in Singapore
It was once conventional wisdom that the US had a near-vital interest in keeping open the strait of Hormuz, the slender shipping lane dividing Iran and Oman. The picture is a little different at the start of 2020. The US, as well as its allies in Europe, has become less dependent on the Gulf for oil, and Washington’s geopolitical interest in the region seems to have waned. Meanwhile, China’s position there has grown. The consequence of all this strategic posturing is further instability in an already volatile region – such conditions cannot last long.
Read the full commentary on the website.
.
The Bulletin: Eurovision
The European project is a subject close to OMFIF’s heart. Our chairman, David Marsh, opens this edition of The Bulletin by assessing Franco-German relations. One matter for debate is developing capital markets union, a topic explored by Ellie Groves, OMFIF’s programmes manager for Europe. In addition to articles from our in-house experts, this Bulletin features contributions from an enviable cast of senior policy-makers. Representatives from as far afield as Portugal and Romania touch on topics from the single currency and euro area reform to green finance and export dynamism.
Download the winter edition of The Bulletin.
