German-Maltese relations, 1980-1995 : foreign politics, economic viability and foreign direct investment

Abstract

The twentieth century has seen a gradual shift in the focus of foreign policy making. Political power remained the main concern of statesmen. Yet, the means to achieve and retain political influence on the international scene gradually shifted the focus from traditional military security to economic security. Military confrontation proved to be destructive to economies, infrastructure and civil society. Political supremacy did not only depend on military dominance. Economic prosperity was the engine for development and states with a powerful economic base, could still avail themselves of spheres of influence and political say in international fora.