Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/77943
Title: Evaluating American security policy in the Mediterranean : is the E.U.'s common foreign security policy an alternative approach?
Authors: Vital Zammit, George (2003)
Keywords: National security -- United States
National security -- European Union countries
Security, International
Issue Date: 2003
Citation: Vital Zammit, G. (2003). Evaluating American security policy in the Mediterranean : is the E.U.'s common foreign security policy an alternative approach? (Master's dissertation).
Abstract: This research discusses how essential American influence is in maintaining security in the Mediterranean region, encompassing the countries of continental Europe, the Balkans, Middle East and North Africa. Whilst the Bush doctrine (as it is referred to by some political analysts) aims to keep America in control of international security mainly through expansions of alliances such as NATO, it is doubted whether this is still relevant in the current scenario when the European Union is setting up a Common Foreign Security Policy for the same purpose. Can Europe go for it alone? Can the EU inject the appropriate political strength coupled with military might (if necessary) to abate any prospective regional conflict? On the other hand, is NATO's prospective expansion including countries of the ex-communist block, a much safer pact that can respond to any turmoil that can crop up? Is the US' strategic alliance with Turkey, Egypt and Israel a means of deterring any Mediterranean conflict that can jeopardize the stability of the region? The research debates whether a possible hand-over of security responsibilities could take place. With the common objective of defeating global terror, can American forces currently in the Mediterranean be deployed elsewhere, possibly where the threat is more existent? Europe is still in the process of getting integrated with countries where the majority of people embrace Islam as their religion. On the other hand, the U.S. has been for decades cooperating with such countries (e.g. Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia) both on economic and security levels, and its diplomatic clout could still be essential to maintain peaceful co-operations between countries delineating the Mediterranean basin. It is claimed that the United States is seeking imperialistic ambitions through its new foreign policy which is firmly distinguishing between allies, potential allies and non. The latter includes countries accused of harbouring terrorism or not doing enough to prevent locals from engaging in terrorist activity. Some of the fiercest anti-American sentiment is being fomented in countries bordering the Mediterranean (Algiers, Egypt, Libya, Lebanon). Will this be reduced with an eventual reduction of American influence in the region, or will it be the cause of better exploiting their scope? The relevant information will be researched to address these questions possibly conveying a wider spectrum of issues that are paramount for the political I security realities of today. All this is reflected through the changing diplomatic framework that takes place either through changes in American policy or changes in EU policy mainly through changing political scenarios in the individual countries. Books, journals and periodicals will be used for the research, whilst the author will attempt to supplement the various views by means of interviews with the respective representatives of the mentioned countries.
Description: M.A.DIPLOMATIC STUD.
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/77943
Appears in Collections:Dissertations - InsMADS - 1994-2015

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