The Strategic Importance of the Mediterranean

Abstract

The Mediterranean, in which maritime history began, has a significant importance in today's world order. It is important geographically, politically, economically and militarily. Beside these factors, there are in the region several contrasts and elements of tension due to different political regimes, religions and cultural heritages, economic resources and the existence of crisis situations. The region is considered a confrontation arena between the superpowers; each has tried to establish and then promote its military presence and influence there. The region's nations have tried to cooperate among themselves to lessen tension and to promote peace and security in the region. These attempts still need more effort to achieve the hoped-for results. This paper analyzes the situation in the region, focusing on its importance and elements of tension, and it examines the possibility to achieve a state of peace and security. This peace and security can be achieved through cooperative economic behavior, as a prelude to achieving political stability and peace. The participation of both superpowers and all countries in the region is an essential requirement to change the Mediterranean region to a 'peaceful lake.'

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 26, 1990
Accession Number
ADA223276

Entities

People

  • Mahmoud M. Talha

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Atlantic Ocean
  • Black Sea
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Economic Systems
  • Europe
  • Indian Ocean
  • Mediterranean Sea
  • Middle East
  • National Security
  • Oceans
  • Religion
  • Security
  • United States
  • United States European Command
  • War
  • War Colleges
  • Western Europe

Readers

  • East Asian Political and Security Studies within the Soviet Union
  • Strategic Security Studies