Aspectos estratégicos del estrecho de Gibraltar

Strategic aspects of the Strait of Gibraltar

REPORT

24 | 09 | 2024

Texto

report on some elements of the geopolitical outline of the southernmost part of the Spanish peninsula

In the picture

The Strait of Gibraltar in artificial colors; in circle, the ports of Algeciras and Tangier Med [ESA].

Complete document
 

 

PRESENTATION

Flows and connections

As one of the main points in the world flows, the Strait of Gibraltar has a great strategic value, which places Spain before challenge to take more advantage of the opportunities it presents, as well as to try to better manage some of the risks it poses.

This report examines several strategic aspects of the Strait. It analyzes, on the one hand, the flows -both the maritime traffic that navigates its waters and that makes it a B enclave for global trade, as well as the movement of people that legally move every year between one continent and the other-; on the other hand, the connections: the submarine cables of different subject that run through its bed, as well as the project of link land between Spain and Morocco for which we will still have to wait.

The purpose of report is to contribute to map, without being exhaustive, the geopolitical outline of the Strait of Gibraltar, and therefore of the extreme south of the peninsula, with the ambition of highlighting the possibilities of projection that Spain can cultivate in its immediate surroundings and in the world.

 

CONTENTS

 

INTRODUCTION / Maritime chokepoints and the Strait of Gibraltar

THE MARITIME FLOW / The port of Algeciras consolidates its strength in Southern Europe, but Tangier Med surpasses it in ambition

THE TERRESTRIAL NEXUS / The tunnel between Spain and Morocco, a project that will become a reality when the conditions are right.

THE CONNECTIONS / Submarine cables in the Strait of Gibraltar and its vicinity

THE HUMAN FLOW / Operation Crossing the Strait breaks all records

Evaluation.