https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46140 2026-04-27T02:47:26Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46809 Title: What prospects for transatlantic relations and the Mediterranean? Abstract: Thirty years since the end of the Cold War international relations continue to evolve in a non-linear manner that reflects the ever changing diffusion of power throughout the international system. While the United States remains the sole superpower, its willingness to assume a commensurate role is constantly being questioned. This is most evident when it comes to the transatlantic relationship between the United States and Europe, the bedrock of the Western Alliance during the Cold War. Given this fluid reality of international relations it is important to accept that some type of change in the pattern of relations from a transatlantic perspective is inevitable. Realpolitik demands that a strategic question be asked regarding what are the future prospects for transatlantic relations and what impact will this changing relationship have on regional relations in the Mediterranean? Description: This document contains Notes on Authors, the Seminar Agenda, and photo inset. 2019-04-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46808 Title: Regional relations in the Middle East Abstract: Unfortunately, specializing in Middle East affairs guarantees you a job for many years to come due to the complexities and interdependences that exist concerning the challenges and the crises that the region is undergoing. It is unfortunate in the sense that the peoples of the region are facing these challenges and crises, seemingly without respite. I will proceed by making ten general observations about these challenges and crises. 2019-04-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46718 Title: Transatlantic relations : an American perspective Abstract: Any discussion of an American perspective on anything in 2018, and especially transatlantic relations requires us to take up the question of “which America” or maybe more correctly “whose America”. The heightened political division in the United States emphasizes sharp divides in how the American public views the relationship with its closest historic allies, its transatlantic partners. These divides sharpen during election cycles and then relax during off years, although increasingly the country seems in perpetual election mode. The exposure of ideological rifts among the American public on this topic is interesting based on the long history of relationship between the US and Europe. Riddervold and Newsome point out, “no other regions of the world are as closely connected in economics, security and politics as Europe and the US.” The American political landscape has changed dramatically in the last five to ten years and alliances previously understood as sacred to both parties have come under attack. The political parties themselves have shifted platforms and positions on the value and priority of these relationships as American reels its way through disruptive politics. 2019-04-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46711 Title: Transatlantic relations and the Mediterranean : taking stock and the way forward Abstract: In their recent Mediterranean Futures 2030 study, Peter Engelke et al present several possible scenarios for the Mediterranean region – Erosion, Drawbridges, Power Play, and Club Med. Allow me to start by saying that the only positive of those scenarios, Club Med, will not happen, though it represents an old idea — the idea to apply the lessons learned in the context of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE) to the Mediterranean. Today, I would like to discuss the developments and trends, which make me state this with such clarity. Description: This document contains the Table of Contents, Acknowledgement, and an Introduction by Dr. Monika Wohlfeld, Editor. 2019-04-01T00:00:00Z