This paper revolves around how Southern Mediterranean Countries (SMCs)-Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Tunisia, and Egypt- are managing their foreign policies in light of the Ukraine conflict. It also encompasses EU's approach and strategic considerations in the Southern Mediterranean region. As a special focus on the European southern neighborhood, EU maintains specific foreign policy goals with various countries within the region. Building on the points discussed above, this article sets out to accomplish the following objectives: the initial section aims to define and clarify the concept of hedging and bandwagoning strategy; the second part explores into the practical application of hedging as a framework for analyzing the policy positions taken by SMCs in the context of the Ukraine conflict, despite the relatively limited attention it receives; the third part explores how the EU engages in the Mediterranean region and also examines the multifaceted policies that the EU employs in its interactions with SMCs; lastly, the conclusion assesses the effectiveness of the hedging strategy adopted by SMCs and evaluates the resources and strengths available at the EU levels to bolster this strategy.
Relation:
Tamkang Journal of International Affairs 28(2), p.1-45
