New Orleans and Geopolitics

Doug Merrill over at A Fistful of Euros points out that New Orleans is the linchpin of the Port of South Louisiana. That is the world’s fifth largest port after Rotterdam, Singapore, Shanghai and Hong Kong. It is a vital part of the US’ industrial infrastructure, and it needs a city to power it with a workforce and logistics services. As a result, while some might talk of abandoning New Orleans following the disaster, it is inevitable and imperative that the city rise again from its watery grave. The US cannot afford to abandon the Port for economic reasons.

 

This reasoning is put forth very cogently and succintly in an article by George Friedman: New Orleans: a Geopolitical Prize. Well worth reading.