Neutralism as a strategic culture for a small state : Malta’s showdown with NATO and Britain, 1971-72

Abstract

The Mediterranean’s relevance in international politics has a direct influence on its littoral states and the two small island states within it. The main premise of this chapter is that the international significance of small states is commonly underrated even when they played crucial roles in sustaining the grand plans of larger states. Conversely, small states may also frustrate the ambitions of hegemonic powers. By focusing on the internal and external circumstances which led to Malta’s showdown with NATO and Britain between 1971 and 1972, it will reveal how the so called ‘Malta Crisis’ was not merely a defiance towards its old former Colonial ruler Britain and a bold resistance towards Cold War politics. Then, positive neutralism emerged as the island’s prevailing strategic culture. Being at the interface between European, Africa and Asia, Maltese neutralism went beyond non-participation and non-interference in international conflicts. It frequently advances peaceful international relations and humanitarians, which may not be in line with the interests of powerful players.