An analysis of Malta's geopolitical strategy 1964-1979

Abstract

This dissertation focuses on Malta’s experience in the years from 1964 to 1979. In 1964, Malta achieved its independence and now, from a British Colony, Malta had to make its first steps into the world as a newly independent state. In 1979 the British left the island. Until the 1950s, the economy of the Maltese islands relied heavily on British military expenditure. However, changes in the British defence policies meant that a massive rundown was imminent. Furthermore, Malta was to prepare itself to be an independent state. There was an urgent need for a plan to make the Maltese Islands economically viable. A number of Development Plans were set in motion. These Development Plans were dependent on the visions, ideologies, and policies of the different governments of the time. Though these differed, they all utilised a nascent Foreign Policy to exploit Malta’s unique geographical position and advanced a strategy aimed at developing Maltese industry. This was a turbulent time as the world was going through the Cold War, thus a geopolitical approach was essential if Malta was to be successful as an independent state. This dissertation explores how this strategy was employed to attract the attention of other players at the time and gain investment, aid and grants, and develop its industry in time before 1979. This was the year when the last of the British Forces left the Maltese islands and Malta had to achieve financial independence. What were the strategies used by the different governments for Malta in its quest for financial viability and not be any longer dependent on external powers? Did it manage to build its industry in time to offer its population enough workplaces and a good standard of living? Was it successful in emerging from a colony to an independent state?