POLITICS OF THE INDIAN OCEAN AFTER WORLD WAR II TO THE ERA OF GLOBALIZATION

Abstract

The Indian Ocean region has historically been a vital arena of global strategic, economic, and political competition. Since the end of World War II, the region has undergone significant transformation due to decolonization, Cold War rivalry, and the rise of globalization. Rich in natural resources and traversed by critical sea-lanes of communication, the Indian Ocean has attracted major powers seeking strategic dominance and economic advantage. The presence of competing military powers, fragile littoral states, and transnational challenges such as piracy and terrorism have further complicated the regional dynamics. This paper examines the evolving geopolitics of the Indian Ocean from the post–World War II period to the contemporary era of globalization, with particular focus on the role of external powers, littoral state politics, maritime security, and India’s strategic position.