'Beyond Containment': Implications and Strategy for the Mediterranean Region
Abstract
During the 1990s, the economic and strategic importance of the Mediterranean will increase as a consequence of: (1) continuing large scale transshipment of oil through the Mediterranean, (2) growing U.S. and European trade with the Soviet Union via the Mediterranean - Black sea lanes, and (3) expanding trade between European Community member states in and outside the Mediterranean area under the provisions of the new European Community's economic integration of 1992. Thus, the importance of maintaining-free and secure passage through the Mediterranean will increase through the 1990s and into the next century. Unfortunately, growing instability and military power in the region present complex challenges directly threatening broader U.S. economic and security interests. This essay argues that the year 2000 will find three situations defining U.S. economic and security interests in the Mediterranean region. These three situations are: (1) changing economic and security relationships between western Europe, the Soviet Union, and the U.S., (2) growing economic crisis in the developing countries along the Mediterranean, and (3) continuing regional security problems and emerging new regional powers. A review of these three situations and related security issues precedes the presentation of a regional security strategy for the 1990s that focuses on achieving strategic stability in the region. If implemented, this strategy offers stabilizing influences in the Mediterranean and supports the broader U.S. economic and security interests expected to emerge by the year 2000.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA249642
Entities
People
- Gary A. Armistead
Organizations
- Air War College