The journal analyses the central issues that concern Mediterranean countries and assesses both local and international responses to them. While its prime concern is with political developments, the focus of Mediterranean Politics extends to all the factors and dimensions affecting political life. These include social movements and issues, regional and domestic conflicts, the political economy of the Mediterranean, migration, political reform processes and issues of cultural identity. The journal does not accept articles on historical subjects that lack direct contemporary linkage, or general economics articles with a Mediterranean context.

Since its inception, the journal has given extensive attention to the expanding relationships between Europe and its southern neighbours, including the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership. Equally, we welcome contributions on other international initiatives concerned with the area, such as the southern dimension of the European Neighbourhood Policy, the US Greater Middle East project and NATO's Mediterranean Dialogue.

The articles are based on original research, some focused on individual states, others on relationships between them, the role of multilateral organizations in the area or issues that are relevant to the area or sub-areas as a whole or to several countries studied comparatively

Besides research articles, the journal publishes occasional essays (presenting an original perspective or analysis), a regular profile section devoted to briefer analysis of recent events or developments, reports on research meetings and a substantial book review section. Each volume includes a detailed annual chronology of events. While two issues per year are general ones, the other is a special guest-edited issue, recent themes having included:

• ‘Shaping the Current Islamist Reformation'
• ‘Euro-Mediterranean Relations after September 11'
• ‘Conceptualizing Cultural and Social Dialogue in the Euro-Mediterranean Area'
• ‘Economic and Social Rights in the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership'
• ‘Transnational Islam and Regional Security'

To suggest a special theme, please fill in a Special Issue Proposal Form. Completed forms should be submitted electronically to the Editor, Richard Gillespie