Abstract:
The Mediterranean basin is a geographic area that encompasses more
than 20 maritime states. Over the centuries, its geographical position has
turned the Mediterranean into a real channel of communication and
exchange of goods and services. The Cold War gave back centrality to
the Mare Nostrum, as the Romans called the Mediterranean. The current
Mediterranean scenario is characterised by a series of asymmetric and
hybrid threats. The maritime environment lends itself to actions carried
out by hybrids actors. Good examples are any terrorist actions with high
media impact, such as those against vessels and offshore installations. In
future, besides the already mentioned worsening of the hybrids threats,
the Mediterranean scenario could see the return of a conventional actor
with hegemonic ambitions in the area, namely the Russian Federation.
Such a scenario would likely slow US disengagement from the
Mediterranean.
