This book focuses on the Mediterranean as a distinct geopolitical area, which remains understudied in International Relations. It examines the political, economic, environmental, social, and security challenges, as well as the global dynamics that influence the region's status. The Mediterranean Sea and its surrounding areas are of vital importance to the stability of the international order. The Mediterranean environment serves as the stage for the convergence of three major regions: Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, where the leading Western powers, emerging nations, and key actors from the Global South intersect. The discipline of International Relations encompasses numerous debates on the world's major regions. However, the Mediterranean area is rarely addressed as a specific topic of scholarly discussion, often ignoring the close and intense connections that exist within the Mediterranean basin. This edited volume analyses the complex context of this strategic environment and its global impact.

David Hernández Martínez is a Lecturer in the International Relations Department, Complutense University of Madrid. He is member of the Complutense Research Group on Peace and International Security. He is part of the international relations working group of the Complutense Institute of Administrative Science (ICCA). His main areas of research are regional dynamics in the Middle East, Spain's foreign policy towards the Arab world, and international conflict and security.

Alice Martini is a Lecturer in the International Relations Department, Complutense University of Madrid. She is member of the Complutense Research Group on Peace and International Security. She is part of working groups in the European International Studies Association (EISA), the International Studies Association (ISA) and the British International Studies Association (BISA). Her main areas of research are international security and international relations theory.