Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Strategic Research Center (SAM) organized a panel titled “Maritime Geopolitics and Regional Power Shifts”. Held at the EMU Faculty of Business and Economics, the panel approached changes in global power shifts, strategic rivalries and overseas allies within the framework of maritime geopolitics.
Dr. Brendon J. Cannon from Khalifa University and Dr. Serhat Süha Çubukçuoğlu – the Program Director of TRENDS Research & Advisory Türkiye, attended the event as guest speakers. These two distinguished experts shared insights on a variety of current issues, including Türkiye’s “Mavi Vatan/Blue Homeland” strategy and China’s initiatives to broaden its influence across land and maritime domains.
Dr. Cannon highlighted China’s expanding presence in Central Asia, drawing on traditional geopolitical theories, and pointed out that Western naval strategies have proven insufficient in responding to this rise. He explained that China is extending its influence through means such as infrastructure projects, technological investments, and debt diplomacy, rather than relying on military power.
On the other hand, Dr. Çubukçuoğlu compared the Blue Homeland strategy with the maritime security policies of the Gulf countries. He noted that Türkiye adopted a more independent and proactive approach; meanwhile, Gulf countries opted external factors to ensure security.
The panel put emphasis on the fact that seas do not solely hold geographic importance, rather they also have political and economic significance. Participants stressed that maritime regions are central to contemporary global power dynamics. During the well-attended and interactive session, moderated by Assist. Prof. Dr. Gülay Umaner Duba, Director of the Strategic Research Center, panelists responded to audience questions and explored potential outcomes of maritime geopolitics and shifting regional power balances.