https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/17903 2026-06-03T23:32:52Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/18218 Title: State-building in Iraq since 2003 : the challenges and lessons Authors: Alshinawi, Arsalan Editors: Pace, Roderick Abstract: The writer concerned himself with the inherent links between the dramatic changes unleashed in 2003 in the internal socio-political context in Iraq, with the lack of reconciliation and stability, which intensified after the adoption of the Iraqi constitution in 2005. This paper focusing on the US-sponsored state-building in Iraq, seeks to make a contribution to the scholarly and public understanding of the key interconnecting variables that run through much of the ‘rich’ tapestry of the obstacles facing the remaking of the national Iraqi constitution, in real-life situations. The aim is to shed more light on the conventional/received wisdom and contemporary political analyses in Iraq itself. Relevant information was drawn from the personal experience and observations of the writer, from direct contact and engagement with the people in Iraq during summer 2013 in a field study that sought to capture in more detail local perceptions and insights. The publications cited include available magazines, newspapers, journal articles and monographs as well as government documents. 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/18200 Title: Migration and asylum : the movement of people in the Mediterranean Region - future scenarios and the EU response Authors: Fernandez, Berta Editors: Pace, Roderick Abstract: In recent years, the global discussion on migration and asylum has evolved from polarization of perspectives and mistrust, to improving partnerships and fostering cooperation between countries and regions. The paradigm has shifted from control and security exclusively to an increased awareness of the ramifications of migration in development and labour markets, the increasing demographic gap1 and the dangers of exclusion faced by migrant workers (regular or irregular). Eastern Europe will suffer the biggest population decline in the coming years, and Nigeria’s population will reach one billion by 2100. In Europe, the work replacement ratio will be two pensioners for one active worker. It has become clear that these facts cannot be ignored and that there is a need for greater convergence of policies (migration/mobility, fundamental rights, and economic growth), with a migrant-centred approach.2. The assumption that Europe will remain a geopolitical and economic hub that attracts immigrants at all skill levels might not hold water in the long run. The evolving demographic and economic changes have made it evident that the competitiveness of the EU (Europe 2020 Strategy) is also at stake, particularly if an adaptable workforce with the necessary skills is not secured in view of shortfalls in skill levels and because of serious labour mismatches. Therefore, it is the right moment to develop more strategic and long-term migration policies that take into account the evolving position of Europe and its neighbours in the world. By the same token, labour market strategies that meet needs and promote integration of regular migrants are still a pending task for the Member States (MS) in terms of the free movement of people, but also in relation with neighbouring and partner countries. 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/18199 Title: Model countries in political analysis : is Turkey a model for state-building in the Arab world? Authors: Dikici Bilgin, Hasret; Guney, Aylin Editors: Pace, Roderick Abstract: This study analyzes the Turkish case as a model country for the state-building processes in the Arab world in the aftermath of the Arab revolts that took place in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya. To this end, it deals with the Turkish case in three phases: the founding of the Turkish Republic, political developments until 2002, and the post-2002 Justice and Development Party period. The study focuses on state-society relations manifested in the form of a secular-religious cleavage intertwined with problematic civil-military relations. Each phase of Turkey’s history is compared to cleavages and civil-military relations in Egypt, Tunisia and Libya. After analyzing the constitution-making processes in the latter three countries following the Arab revolts, the study concludes by discussing the viability of the Turkish model in the light of Turkey’s search for a new constitution. 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/18198 Title: Adapting to climate change from a regional perspective : in search of a requisite policy and legal framework for the Mediterranean Authors: Borg, Simone Editors: Pace, Roderick Abstract: This paper aims to identify the Mediterranean States’ potential in adopting a regional strategy on climate change adaptation. The author proposes a Mediterranean Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change as the first step to a political/legal regional approach to climate change issues that would supplement the multilateral process under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol. According to the author such a strategy would enhance cooperation between the EU and other Mediterranean states in various ways. The experience of the EU in regulating climate change and its ever growing knowledge-base on its impacts could serve to guide the other Mediterranean states’ and help bridge their knowledge-base gap on the topic. On the other hand, the support and cooperation of the EU’s Mediterranean partners would provide an opportunity for the EU to address better the challenges that climate change threatens to bring in its southernmost regions. The strategy could eventually even pave the way for the very first regional treaty on climate change that could be negotiated under the auspices of the Regional Seas Programme and the Union for the Mediterranean. 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z