4.5 The Function of Political Boundaries

Defined, Delimited, and Demarcated Boundaries in Egypt:

Egypt with its neighboring countries. The borders with Libya, Sudan, and Israel have been defined and demarcated through treaties and agreements. The boundaries are generally recognized and accepted, contributing to stability in the region.

Boundary Disputes:

Locational Dispute: A disagreement over the interpretation of the location of a border. Egypt has faced locational disputes, particularly with Sudan, regarding the precise location of the border. These disputes have been addressed through negotiations and treaties.

https://carnegie-mec.org/2020/06/11/egypt-sudan-border-story-of-unfulfilled-promise-pub-81995

Territorial Dispute: Disagreements over the ownership or control of a particular territory.  Historically, Egypt had a territorial dispute with Israel over the Sinai Peninsula. This dispute was addressed and resolved through the Camp David Accords in 1978. 

https://www.britannica.com/place/Sinai-Peninsulav

Operational Dispute: Disputes related to the day-to-day management and control of a border, often involving security concerns. Ongoing operational disputes in Sinai involve day-to-day issues related to border security and control, such as addressing smuggling and managing security threats. Increased military presence and collaboration with neighboring countries aim to address these operational challenges. 

https://il.usembassy.gov/the-camp-david-accords-40-years-later/

Shatterbelt Region:

A shatterbelt region is a place with a lot of conflicts because major powers and different influences clash there. Egypt is in the Middle East, which is a shatterbelt region because it's in the middle of complex power struggles and conflicts. Egypt gets affected by the nearby tensions, like those with Israel and the Palestinian territories.

Political Exclaves and Enclaves:

Political Exclaves: There are no political exclaves in Egypt.

Political Enclaves: Egypt does not have political enclaves, where its territories are completely surrounded by the territory of another state.

Law of the Sea and UNCLOS:

Denying Israeli ships the use of the Suez Canal: Egypt has denied Israeli ships and cargo bound for Israel the use of the Suez Canal. Egypt has legal justifications for this embargo based on the 1888 Convention and the 1949 Egypt-Israel Armistice Agreement.

Seizing part of Libya's maritime zone: In February 2023, Egypt seized part of Libya's maritime zone, which some say contradicts the spirit of the United Nations Law of the Sea Convention (UNCLOS).