The shift of policy in Malta on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict between 1964 and 1981

Abstract

The subject of this thesis is Malta’s Shift in Policy regarding the Arab-Israeli conflict. It is divided in four chapters. The period covered is 1967-1981. Research was conducted mainly in newspapers. The shift in policy is related closely to the change of government in 1971. Malta had just gained Independence and the process of decolonization was taking place, while globally the world was passing through the Cold War. The shift in policies that were undertaken under different administrations marked Malta’s position. This study also discusses the concept of neutrality as the principles of non-alignment and neutrality were important in the shaping of Malta’s foreign policy towards the Arab-Israeli conflict and the Mediterranean. The delicate diplomacy on the Arab-Israeli conflict and the various conferences held over the period under review are also discussed.