The global Mediterranean policy : an exercise in North-South, East-West relationships

Abstract

Two significant new elements emerged in the Mediterranean after the Second World War. Decolonization, followed by a boom period that enabled many Mediterranean countries to go through their early phase of industrialization. This gave these newly born countries an opportunity to be counted internationally. At the same time, the economic integration of Europe enabled it to play an important political and economic role in the Mediterranean basin. Due to its economic strength it rallied the support of most Mediterranean states, distancing them as much as possible :from the superpowers. This led to the growth of interdependence, an asymmetrical interdependence, which in spite of its asymmetry proved quite beneficial to the Mediterranean countries up to the late 70s. The economic recession and the inflation, which were the result of the first oil crisis in 1973, hit badly the Mediterranean only after the second oil crisis in 1979. The 80s were difficult years for the European Economic Community (EEC) in its relations with the Mediterranean countries.