Power Balances in the Eastern Mediterranean: From Yesterday to Today

Abstract

The international relations are usually examined by the concept of power, where geography is one of the major factors determining it. Geographical maps are not merely a paper reflecting the image of the world: looking at the map we should not observe only the geographical denominations, but to consider the position and role of a certain state or actor, projecting its national interests within certain space, time and conditions. Geographical features and characteristics have a direct impact on the economic development, national power, security and role of the state actor on the regional and global arena. Thus, the analysis of Eastern Mediterranean political and strategic importance within the region cannot be evaluated properly without taking a look on the geography of it. In order to have a proper analysis of Eastern Mediterranean there is a need to take into consideration the geopolitical theoretical approaches, its place within the region as such, and its position in accordance to the global and regional power centers. Independent and dependent variables should be taken into consideration: here, geographic position and integrity, borders and land structure will be considered as independent variables, while political, military, security, socio-economic, and cultural features and factors as dependent ones.