The coercive movement of people in the Eastern Mediterranean in the 20th century; politics, geopolitics and the implications on maritime transport

Fragkoudakis, Georgios; Φραγκουδάκης, Γεώργιος

Master Thesis

Author

Fragkoudakis, Georgios

Φραγκουδάκης, Γεώργιος

Date

2026-04

Abstract

This paper addresses the issue of forced population movements in the Eastern Mediterranean during the 20th and 21st centuries, focusing on the political, geopolitical and maritime dimensions. The historical approach reflects the high frequency of the phenomenon, from the population exchanges of the 1920s to the latest movements of refugees by sea fleeing conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa. The data collected indicate that maritime movements are not only humanitarian in nature, but also constitute an obstacle to the functioning of maritime entrepreneurship, local communities and the geopolitical stability of maritime zones. The institutional and legal framework responsible for search and rescue at sea is seriously inadequate. More specifically, there is a lack of clarity regarding the responsibility for disembarkation and the division of responsibilities between European Union countries. At the same time, the complex implications of the phenomenon under consideration, which touch on social, economic and political aspects, cannot be overlooked. The analysis highlights that migration and refugee movements are often used as a bargaining chip by states, while local communities bear a heavy burden in managing their facilities. The final chapter proposes measures based on three pillars. Firstly, it is necessary to implement institutional and legal decisions to establish a coordination body and a permanent relocation agency within the EU. In addition, maritime and operational measures are needed, such as the introduction of compensation, training for people working on ships and the use of technological means. In the social, economic and geopolitical spheres, the parties involved must ensure investment in local communities, promote contacts with third countries and take preventive measures in countries that are the starting points for forced sea crossings.

Postgraduate Studies Programme

Shipping Management

Department

Σχολή Ναυτιλίας και Βιομηχανίας. Τμήμα Ναυτιλιακών Σπουδών

Number of pages

Language

English

URI

https://dione.lib.unipi.gr/xmlui/handle/unipi/19711

Collections

Τμήμα Ναυτιλιακών Σπουδών

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Except where otherwise noted, this item's license is described as
Αναφορά Δημιουργού-Μη Εμπορική Χρήση-Όχι Παράγωγα Έργα 3.0 Ελλάδα