The development of security initiatives in the Mediterranean : an analysis

Abstract

The strategic importance of the Mediterranean basin has been a characteristic that has been exploited by many great powers. This has led to tensions accumulating thus making the Mediterranean such an 'explosive' area. The Maltese islands are located at the very centre of the Mediterranean Sea; hence it is no wonder that the primary objective of Malta's foreign policy is to achieve and maintain stability in the region. Every time the various security initiatives were launched, the media used to focus a lot on these security arrangements aimed to develop a more stable area. As time passed, however, more focus was given on other events taking place elsewhere thus sidelining the critical developments takings place in the Mediterranean. One can say that lack of media coverage stimulated my curiosity and interest in the subject. I, in tum, attended an AEGEE organised conference in 1999 titled 'Peace in the Mediterranean - Can we find a solution?' This event made me more aware of the vast security challenges that the Mediterranean is facing today. I noticed how vulnerable a small island like Malta is, when situated in the midst of rising tensions. Gradually, the idea of focussing my dissertation on security initiatives in the Mediterranean began to develop. Whilst conducting research for my dissertation last September, I had the pleasure to meet one of the leading authorities on Mediterranean security - Prof. R. Aliboni, an encounter that made me more aware of the numerous attempts that were undertaken in order to bring stability into the region. Hence, the aim of this dissertation is to provide an analysis of the various security schemes initiated in the Mediterranean basin. Whilst arguing that these initiatives play a fundamental role in the stability of the region, this dissertation examines that in the future, there shall be the need for a change in approach when tackling these challenges.