The evolution of U.S. foreign policy in the Eastern Mediterranean : strategic interests and regional stability (2000–2025)
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Keywords
Eastern Mediterranean ; U.S. foreign policy ; Strategic realignment ; Regional stability ; Energy diplomacy ; NATO ; 3+1 Cooperation ; Great power competition ; Greece ; Turkey ; Cyprus ; Biden Doctrine ; Regional hegemony ; Strategic culture ; MultilateralismAbstract
This thesis explores the transformation of U.S. foreign policy in the Eastern Mediterranean from 2000 to 2025, a period marked by regional turbulence, evolving energy diplomacy and intensifying great power competition. Drawing upon a comprehensive qualitative methodology and strategic case studies—including the U.S.–Turkey decoupling, the Syria and Libya proxy conflicts and the institutionalization of the 3+1 partnership (Greece–Cyprus–Israel–U.S.)—the study assesses how Washington's policy priorities, strategic tools and regional alliances have adapted in response to both internal shifts and external shocks.
It argues that while U.S. engagement in the region has traditionally relied on military presence and bilateralism, recent developments have compelled a shift toward multilateral cooperation, energy securitization and agile power projection. Particular attention is given to the strategic realignment during the Biden administration, the influence of the EastMed Gas Forum and the broader implications of the Russia–Ukraine war on NATO’s southeastern posture.
The research employs strategic culture, regional hegemony and geopolitical analysis as its theoretical frameworks and uses process tracing to connect pivotal events to broader policy transformations. The findings suggest that while U.S. influence remains significant, it is increasingly challenged by Russian, Turkish and Chinese ambitions, necessitating a recalibrated yet sustained American presence in the region.
Ultimately, the thesis concludes that the Eastern Mediterranean functions as a strategic laboratory for 21st-century U.S. foreign policy—where energy, security and diplomacy intersect in complex and often contradictory ways.
Postgraduate Studies Programme
American Studies: Politics, Strategy and EconomicsDepartment
Σχολή Οικονομικών, Επιχειρηματικών και Διεθνών Σπουδών. Τμήμα Διεθνών και Ευρωπαϊκών ΣπουδώνNumber of pages
160Language
EnglishCollections
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Αναφορά Δημιουργού 3.0 Ελλάδα
Αναφορά Δημιουργού 3.0 Ελλάδα