https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/105443 2026-06-14T09:06:12Z 2026-06-14T09:06:12Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/106390 2023-02-16T07:20:22Z 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Cold war conflicts in the Mediterranean : Cyprus as a case study Abstract: When one thinks of the island of Cyprus, images come to mind of its Mediterranean climate, its rich culture, and its idyllic beaches. However, this island is plagued with another reality, one that is characterised by divide and antagonism which has persisted from the moment that Cyprus got its independence in 1960. The struggle between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities has led to three crises on the island during the Cold War period, particularly the 1963-4 crisis, the 1967 crisis, and the 1974 crisis. These crises led to foreign involvement which was, in some cases, helpful to resolve said crises and, in other cases, involvement was detrimental to the interests of both communities. It is against this background that this dissertation places its study of the role played by the US and the USSR in the Cypriot conflict. More specifically, this dissertation examines the impact that the superpowers’ policies had on the conflict. Furthermore, an analysis is made of the efforts at mediation made by the US and the USSR as well as their inaction in certain points throughout the three crises in the Cold War period. Apart from just focusing on the Cold War era, this dissertation goes a step further in analysing the policies that the US and Russia pursued from 1991 up until today. Throughout the entirety of this dissertation, the argument is made that, from the Cold War period until nowadays, national interests guided the policies that both actors pursued in dealing with the Cypriot issue. As this dissertation will show, this left both advantages and repercussions on the island. Description: M.A. (Dip. St.)(Melit.)

2022-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/106386 2023-02-16T07:18:48Z 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Migration in the Mediterranean region : the cooperation between Algeria-EU/France Abstract: The process of resettling people from one place or location within a state in the world to another is known as migration. More specifically, the movement across the international borders from one country to another by people has been established to be international migration. People across the world have been migrating from their homes to other places in the world in the quest for economic based opportunities, education or running away from conflict. By 2020, 272 million people had migrated globally, which is a figure that has already surpassed the anticipated number by 2050, which was expected to be 230 million people worldwide. Through a six-chapters analysis, this paper aims to provide insights into migration in the Mediterranean through an in-depth analysis of the routes used, looking into factors that push these people to migrate from their mother countries and the pulling factors that attract them to migrate. More so, the paper will provide well-analysed challenges that the migrants have faced through the Mediterranean migration considering factors such as Islamism and terrorism. Using a literature review from scholars, policy makers, experts and other researchers, the paper will help analyse the European Union perspective in addressing the migration crisis, especially irregular migration, it will also provide a case study of migration involving Algeria and France. Lastly, the research will establish the role of France and Algeria in mitigating irregular migration in the Mediterranean and other related topics surrounding the migration with the scope of highlighting the cooperation between the two countries. It will then suggest some recommendations in addressing this security threat in the Mediterranean. This paper will use quantitative data from Frontex, IOM and UNHCR reports and qualitative data as we will analyse the different existing policies. Sources of information such as newspaper, press release, news tv will be used as the migration issue is in constant evolvement. This thesis aims to gain a better understanding on the migration in the Mediterranean region with a focus on migration from Algeria to France. An interview with Mr. Mohammed El Razzaz, Regional Coordinator at the Secretariat of the Union for the Mediterranean has been added to this research paper, highlighting the active presence of Algeria and its contribution to the UFM activities. Description: M.A. (Dip. St.)(Melit.)

2022-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/106383 2023-02-16T07:17:52Z 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Evolution of diplomatic relations between Spain and Morocco 1999-2020 : how does the Western Sahara question impact relations between both states? Abstract: The Western Sahara issue has been characterised as a conflict that has lasted from 1975, when Spain abandoned its last colony and allowed Morocco to occupy the territory, to the present day. However, this issue has had a long and lasting impact on the diplomatic relations between Spain and Morocco, which have evolved over time between severe diplomatic crises, such as that of the island of Perejil, and moments of calm. The motivation of this thesis will be to understand and analyse how and to what extent the Western Sahara conflict affects these relations, and how they have evolved from 1999 to 2020. Description: M.A. (Dip. St.)(Melit.)

2022-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/106365 2023-02-16T07:17:02Z 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The effect of a state leader’s personality on foreign policy projection : a case study of Mintoff's foreign policy towards the Mediterranean Abstract: This paper reviews the effects of personality upon a state’s foreign policy output. The objective of this dissertation is to answer the question– In what ways is a state’s foreign policy influenced by the state leader? The main hypothesis is that the character and personality traits of a leader do in fact affect foreign policy decision making. The hypothesis is applied to a case study assessing Dom Mintoff’s personality and Mediterranean foreign policy. Leader’s personality traits and the contextual world order actors find themselves in, plays a determining role within foreign policy decision making. Operating within the international structure of the community of states, state leaders aim to use the power of negotiation, imagination, emotionality, strategic crisis management and rhetoric to maximise their respective state’s interest. This paper endeavours to make a connection between a leader's personality traits and foreign policy decision making. The overarching agreement within the literature is in line with the hypothesis of the dissertation, as there is agreement that the variables in question do in fact have an impact. The data for this project was collected through a qualitative research method. Two elite interviews were conducted towards the end of the research process. These findings indicate that whilst personality does in fact play a significant role in a state’s foreign policy, the level of affect is based upon a number of factors– ranging from regime type, to the individual characteristics of the leader himself. Description: M.A. (Dip. St.)(Melit.)

2022-01-01T00:00:00Z