What are the main strategies used by nations to gain control over strategic waterways?

There are several main strategies that nations employ to gain control over strategic waterways. These strategies include:

1. Military Presence: Nations often establish a strong military presence in and around strategic waterways to assert their control. This can involve deploying naval forces, establishing military bases, and conducting regular patrols to ensure their dominance.

2. Diplomatic Negotiations: Nations may engage in diplomatic negotiations with other countries to secure agreements that grant them access or control over strategic waterways. This can involve bilateral or multilateral negotiations, treaties, or agreements that outline the terms of usage and control.

3. Economic Influence: Economic power can be leveraged to gain control over strategic waterways. Nations may invest heavily in the infrastructure development of ports and terminals along these waterways, providing economic incentives to countries in exchange for preferential access or control.

4. Alliances and Coalitions: Nations may form alliances or coalitions with other countries to collectively assert control over strategic waterways. This can involve joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and coordinated efforts to counter any potential threats or challenges to their control.

5. Legal Frameworks: Nations may seek to establish legal frameworks that support their claims over strategic waterways. This can involve international legal mechanisms such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which provides guidelines for maritime boundaries and territorial claims.

6. Proxy Conflicts: In some cases, nations may support proxy conflicts or insurgencies in regions near strategic waterways to gain influence and control. By backing local factions or rebel groups, nations can indirectly assert their control over these waterways.

It is important to note that the strategies employed by nations to gain control over strategic waterways can vary depending on the specific geopolitical context, the importance of the waterway, and the interests and capabilities of the countries involved.