Abstract
This thesis investigates how the continued existence of the Mediterranean Dialogue can be explained. The explanation is interesting as the Dialogue has been criticised of being a diplomatic club with more talk than action, anonymous and with a lack of results, despite an ongoing history since 1994.
The thesis is based on Buzan and Wæver’s security complex theory, which provides the elements necessary for analysing factors dimensioning the understanding of security and stability in the Mediterranean region, and Walt’s theory on why alliances endure or collapse, which provides the factors necessary for determining whether the Mediterranean Dialogue member countries prefer the Dialogue continued or dissolved.
How can the continued existence of the Mediterranean Dialogue be explained? Seen in the perspective of the theory of why alliances endure or collapse, all factors but one indicate that the members have a common wish for the Dialogue to continue, despite a change in the way threats are perceived, which in theory indicates a wish for the alliance to be dissolved.