The potential geoeconomic dimensions of the MDA are extremely phenomenal too. Assuming Egypt and Iran also join up, then the MDA will boast of a humungous sphere of influence and a compatible strategic reach to emerge as a very potent and effective Centre of Power in the region-at-large. Its sphere of influence could potentially cover Turkiye in the Euro-Asian context, Egypt in North Africa, the whole of the ME and Pakistan (Bangladesh potentially) in South Asia. In terms of its maritime sphere of influence, its expanse will encompass the Azov and Black Seas, the Bosphorus, the Mediterranean Sea, even Gibraltar, the Suez Canal, Red Sea, Bab-el Mandab, the Gulf of Aden, the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, the Hormuz Straits, and the Persian Gulf. The MDA could thus have control and oversight on the main trade routes and Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC) in its sphere of influence. Critically, it will also exercise control over some of the most vital maritime choke points in the world. Turkiye controls two of the narrowest straits in the region; the Bosphorus Strait connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, while the Dardanelles Strait connects the Sea of Marmara to the Aegean Sea and onto the Mediterranean Sea. Thus, every vessel moving from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean Sea must pass through this route and these two straits. This makes them vital for global trade, energy transportation, foodgrains, fertilisers etc. Furthermore, the Montreux Convention (1936) gives Turkiye a unique role in........

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