XVIII
Preface
lations down to the strategic-political and cultural realities of the coun-
tries of the Mediterranean. In so doing, they confront some contemporary
intellectual challenges by addressing the modem imperatives of govern-
ance and the techniques of simulation. They test the specific international
instruments in force as compared with the effectiveness of institutional
frameworks provided for by the same treaties and exemplified by prac-
tice.
The volume also reminds us that the cultural diversity of the peoples
of the region, taken from the viewpoint of the theoretical investigation
and associated with the negotiating process, is a factor that is still large-
ly unexplored. But history has proved that in the long run diversity is an
added value, it feeds the dynamism of all the peoples concerned and is
not prohibitive for an effective cooperation between them. Furthermore,
the contributions assess the presence of the European Union in negotia-
tions concerning the protection of the environment. The Union as a sepa-
rate partner in the process brings a series of new factors in the evaluation
of the degree of regional autonomy that some hopelessly imagine for the
Mediterranean.
The paradigm of environmental protection is one in which a meeting
of minds is built up with patience over the years. Indeed, long-lasting so-
lutions need patience, which is the first and most important quality for
the negotiator.
Emmanuel Roucounas
Emeritus Professor of International Law at the University of Athens
Vice-President of the Academy of Athens
Member of the Institute of International Law
