ABSTRACT
The Mediterranean space, defined by a major sea, a large number of littoral countries and to some extent their hinterlands, is at the same time an interface between Europe, Africa and Asia. This brings complex challenges in terms of achieving peace and stability. Recently it has received intense international attention through the internal destructiveness and spill-over from conflicts, primarily those waged in Libya, Syria and, more remotely, Iraq.
This Handbook provides an overview of the political processes that shape the Mediterranean region in the contemporary context. It explores the issues of crucial importance to Mediterranean dynamics through a series of analytical sections that guide the reader towards a comprehensive understanding of the main regional interactions and trends.
The Handbook explores:
- the complex historical formation of the contemporary Mediterranean
- geopolitical perspectives
- issues around peace and conflict
- the political economy of the region
- the role of non-state actors and social movements
- societal and cultural trends.
The wide range of contributions from many of the leading academic experts on the region offers not only insights into the debates and processes that structure each theme, but also key pointers for a more general understanding of how distinct political, economic, social and cultural dynamics interact across the region. It will therefore be a key resource for policy-makers and students and scholars of Mediterranean politics and international relations.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part I|72 pages
Historical constructions
chapter 3|13 pages
Historical/geopolitical turning points in the modern Mediterranean
chapter 6|12 pages
From imperialism to failed liberal peace
part II|60 pages
Geopolitical perspectives
part III|75 pages
Peace and conflict
chapter 13|12 pages
The Mediterranean observes the world, the world observes the Mediterranean
chapter 17|13 pages
Do regional organizations contribute to security?
chapter 18|11 pages
Regime resilience and the Arab uprisings in the southern Mediterranean
part IV|73 pages
Political economy
chapter 22|13 pages
Minding development gaps in EU Mediterranean policies
part V|63 pages
Non-state actors and social movements
chapter 28|11 pages
Women’s movements within Euro-Mediterranean politics
part VI|51 pages
Societal and cultural trends