A state that imports energy by sea has to consider how those routes could be interrupted. An opponent need not impose a perfect blockade to cause damage. Even a partial disruption can destabilize an economy and reduce its ability to conduct military operations. The danger therefore belongs in planning for both war and grey-zone pressure before a shooting conflict begins.
Notable Point · 8:21-9:23
Protect maritime energy routes before open war
Energy-import dependence makes sea routes targets for wartime interdiction and for coercion below the threshold of declared conflict.