Communications and Geopolitics in the Middle East prior to the First World War

Synopsis: Despite the contested nature of their substance and extent, the existence of geopolitical regions such as the Middle East are often taken for granted. The belief in the geopolitical justification of a region is one of the foundations for actions targeting a region as a whole. Historically, when the term "Middle East" came up, there were both geopolitical and economic interests in its use. They deserve another review.

This thesis studies how, prior to the First World War, British and German economic activities using a combination of state resources, private enterprise and capital contributed to the establishment of a communication infrastructure (telegraphy and railways) and a sustained international interest in the Middle East.

Reference: Kars Aznavour, "Communications and Geopolitics in the Middle East prior to the First World War: Anglo-German Economic Rivalry, its Contributions and Repercussions", Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva (unpublished manuscript), 2009.