The geopolitics of landlocked countries in the Maritime domain : the case of Botswana

Abstract

This study explores how ‘landlockness’ impacts the maritime domain concerns of Landlocked countries (LLCs). The ocean is home to an abundance of resources and endless opportunities that are key to the security and prosperity of the state. It is therefore a competitive arena in which states and non-state actors compete to control and promote their interests. Although LLCs in Africa already benefit from the maritime domain through activities such as commercial trade they are often passive participants and beneficiaries of the maritime domain. Increased awareness and deeper engagement with the maritime domain and littoral actors is important for enhancing their agency to promote development and prosperity. The geopolitical constraints and opportunities of LLCs are explored using the case of Botswana. Botswana is a landlocked country positioned at the centre of Southern Africa. LLCs are viewed as geographically disadvantaged due to their isolation from the ocean and reliance on transit states to gain access to the maritime domain. In addition, LLCs in Africa and around the world tend to lag behind their littoral counterparts in terms of development due to barriers to economic development linked to overseas markets. Botswana is unique because it is believed to have overcome its geographic disadvantage, with a reputation as an upper-middle-income country and one of the most developed on the continent. Surrounded by four countries, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia, access to the maritime domain for Botswana is only achieved through cooperation with transit states, making cordial political and transboundary relations a key priority of the country. The country has leveraged its position at the centre of the region to strengthen its bilateral ties with transit states and promote greater multilateralism through institutions such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) which are key to the achievement of growth and development aspirations of the region. These institutions, and regional agreements, are particularly important for Botswana as it cannot create conditions for greater economic integration and infrastructural cooperation needed to boost its economy and national security. The country also faces opportunities for greater bilateral and multilateral cooperation beyond Southern Africa. In the long term, Botswana can expand its trade beyond its immediate region, reducing reliance on its mineral commodities such as diamonds and promoting economic diversification which enhances national security.