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Celebrates the foods of Mediterranean street vendors and simple shopkeepers, offering recipes for soups, salads, snacks, sandwiches, breads, one-pot meals, desserts and sweets, barbecues, and drinks.

Counter-mapping and counter-data visualisation are employed by artists to reframe migration narratives, often focusing on retracing the journeys of migrants. However, the maps of those who never made it have not received the same attention. This article examines three artistic visualisations that address infographics of people who have died or disappeared in the Mediterranean. The Mediterranean has been described as a stage for necropolitics; it is both the deadliest border and the most visualised migration route to the EU. In Mapping Global Refugee Migration and Displacement (2015–), Tiffany Chung uses data to map migration routes and deaths in the Mediterranean. Her hand-drawn maps, marked with colourful dots representing lives lost, lack a key, rendering the visualisation deliberately ambiguous. In Those Who Did Not Cross 2005–2015 (2017), Levi Westerveld places a red dot for each person who died while attempting to cross the Mediterranean. Finally, in Nautical Charts of Sunken Boats (2021), Mathieu Pernot recontextualises historical maps of the Mediterranean by inscribing migrant shipwrecks on them that he read about in the paper. The handwritten annotations are often difficult to read. Each artist traces the ongoing catastrophe of death at sea through maps, questioning the role that cartography and data visualisation play in the documentation of mass loss. Through “The Right Not to Drown,” as introduced by Hilde Van Gelder, this article explores what justice and resistance look like when the dead are memorialised through maps of Mediterranean deaths.

This study explores the role of customers' social network in their defection from a service provider. The authors use data on communication among one million customers of a cellular company to create a large-scale social system composed of customers' individual social networks. The study's results indicate that exposure to a defecting neighbor is associated with an increase of 80% in the defection hazard, after controlling for a host of social, personal, and purchase-related variables. This effect is comparable in both magnitude and nature to social effects observed in the highly researched case of product adoption: The extent of social influence on retention decays exponentially over time, and the likelihood of defection is affected by tie strength and homophily with defecting neighbors and by these neighbors' average number of connections. Highly connected customers are more affected, and loyal customers are less affected by defections that occur in their social networks. These results carry important implications for the theoretical understanding of the drivers of customer retention and should be considered by firms that aim to predict and affect customer retention.

Transnational Patriotism in the Mediterranean investigates the long process of transition from a world of empires to a world of nation-states by narrating the biographies of a group of people who were born within empires but came of age surrounded by the emerging vocabulary of nationalism, much of which they themselves created. It is the story of a generation of intellectuals and political thinkers from the Ionian Islands who experienced the collapse of the Republic of Venice and the dissolution of the common cultural and political space of the Adriatic, and who contributed to the creation of Italian and Greek nationalisms. By uncovering this forgotten intellectual universe, Transnational Patriotism in the Mediterranean retrieves a world characterized by multiple cultural, intellectual, and political affiliations that have since been buried by the conventional narrative of the formation of nation-states. Transnational Patriotism in the Mediterranean rethinks the origins of Italian and Greek nationalisms and states, highlighting the intellectual connection between the Italian peninsula, Greece, and Russia, and reestablishing the lost link between the changing geopolitical contexts of western Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Balkans in the Age of Revolutions. It re-inscribes important intellectuals and political figures, considered 'national fathers' of Italy and Greece (such as Ugo Foscolo, Dionysios Solomos, Ioannis Kapodistrias and Niccolo Tommaseo), into their regional and multicultural context, and shows how nations emerged from an intermingling, rather than a clash, of ideas concerning empire and liberalism, Enlightenment and religion, revolution and conservatism, and East and West.

This paper investigates the relationship among CO2 emissions, energy consumption, economic growth and tourism development using data for a panel of 18 Mediterranean countries over the period 1995–2010. The findings from cointegrating polynomial regression indicate that the tourism-induced environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis is confirmed for three out of nine countries for which cointegration tests suggest a long-run equilibrium relationship between the examined variables. A group of causalities have been found for the Mediterranean countries. In particular, our results demonstrate bidirectional causality between GDP and tourism development for the Northern Mediterranean countries, while for the southern and global panel we document one-way causality running from tourism development to economic growth. We also show unidirectional causality running from tourism to CO2 emissions across regions. The empirical results suggest that Mediterranean countries should place more emphasis on tourism development, sustainable tourism in particular, given the potential relationship among tourism development, GDP and CO2 emissions.

Cet article, plus politique qu'académique, repose sur trois convictions : d'abord que la finance méditerranéenne n'est pas homogène pas plus que la Méditerranée de l'est ; ensuite que l'essentiel des efforts en matière de finance méditerranéenne doit être consacré aux PME et aux TPE ; enfin que les institutions publiques internationales, de même que les banques locales, n'ont pas pris conscience (dans les faits au moins) du point précédent.Faut-il pour autant désespérer ? Bien sûr que non, mais à quatre conditions au moins : (1) reconnaître, affirmer et surtout promouvoir la complémentarité démographique et technologique entre le Sud et le Nord de la Méditerranée ; (2) cibler davantage les investissements publics et privés vers des secteurs et des zones géographiques jugés par tous les spécialistes comme prioritaires ; (3) multiplier les « passerelles financières » publiques et privées étant en mesure de financer les PME, notamment en fonds propres ; (4) dans toutes les politiques avoir toujours en tête de faire des pays du Sud de la Méditerranée une « tête de pont » pour financer les économies d'Afrique subsaharienne (et notamment les PME de ces pays) qui constituent, pour les années à venir, un fantastique relais de croissance pour la Méditerranée, mais aussi pour l'Europe tout entière. Classification JEL : O10, O16, O55. This article, more political than academic, is based on three firm beliefs: first, Mediterranean finance is not homogeneous, as the Mediterranean area itself; second, most of the efforts, as far as Mediterranean finance is concerned, must be devoted to SMBs (Small and Medium Size Businesses); third, public international institutions, as well local banks, doesn't answer this second issue.Are we obliged to be defeatist in these circumstances? Surely not, but at four conditions: (1) promote demographic and technological complementarity between the South and the North of the Mediterranean area; (2) focus more and more the public and private investments towards industries and geographical areas which are considered by all specialists as priorities; (3) multiply the “financial bridges” public and private who can help the financing of SMBs, especially in private equity; (4) in all these fields, keep in mind the south Mediterranean countries can be “bridge heads” of the finance of sub-Saharian African countries (and especially of the SMBs in these countries) which are, for the years to come, a fantastic lever of growth for the Mediterranean area, but also for Europe as a whole. Classification JEL : O10, O16, O55.

The interdependence experienced on a global scale today has gained more importance with the increasing demand for energy resources. The situation of interdependence may cause various conflicts due to the differences in strategy between countries regarding access to energy resources. In this destructive competitive environment, hydrocarbons, especially natural gas, continue to be an essential means of competition as a strategic energy source. This situation makes the European Union and the countries that are the suppliers of the energy demand of the Union and the transition countries dependent on each other. This situation of interdependence makes energy resources the most important policy tool. Russia, one of the energy suppliers of European states, uses this advantage as an essential political pressure tool. European Union countries turn to alternative resources and areas to reduce dependency in the face of this situation. In recent years, the Eastern Mediterranean basin has been added to these areas. With the discovery of significant hydrocarbon resources in the Eastern Mediterranean, the importance of this region for European countries is increasing. However, this situation causes maritime border disputes and geopolitical conflicts between the countries of the region. This conceptual study emphasizes the solution of problems related to cross-border hydrocarbon resources and the extent to which natural gas reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean will be an alternative to Russian natural gas.Keywords: EU energy security, Eastern Mediterranean gas reserves, Sea border issues, Exclusive economic zoneJEL Classifications: P28, P48, K32.DOI: https://doi.org/10.32479/ijeep.12602 

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to address the challenges faced by rural areas and promote their sustainable development. It emphasizes the importance of re-establishing connections and cultivating a sense of belonging within rural communities, while safeguarding their cultural heritage. The study explores the potential of digital and creative tools in enhancing learning, supporting food production and tourism, facilitating research and providing engaging experiences. It also examines the economic condition of rural areas and the potential for their contribution to the national economy. Additionally, the study highlights the significance of sustainable community development, the role of rural areas in resilience and climate change adaptation and the complexities surrounding rural migration. The aim is to provide insights and recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders involved in rural development initiatives, focusing on the Mediterranean region.Design/methodology/approachThis study develops an understanding of the role of digital and creative strategies in rural communities, highlighting their significance in preserving food heritage, culture and community capital while driving economic development. It specifically focuses on the Unesco Intangible Mediterranean Diet (UIMD) as a potential catalyst for regeneration through the integration of creative and digital tools and three cases are presented. The first is the impact of the Future Food Institute (FFI) ecosystem in the Living Lab in Pollica (Salerno, Italy); the second focuses on the digital tools provided by the CKF to support rural areas; and the third is a new identity and promotion of territorial development, co-designed in the Val di Vara (VdV) a rural region of the Ligurian inland in Italy, through digital strategies, heritage preservation and slow tourism development. The three cases highlight different ways of enhancing environmental and cultural heritage and demonstrate how collaborative creativity and digital tools contribute to the co-construction of knowledge and addressing critical issues to promote sustainable growth in rural areas.FindingsThe findings of this study indicate that re-establishing connections and fostering a sense of belonging within rural communities is crucial for their sustainable development. The use of digital and creative tools presents significant opportunities in enhancing various aspects such as learning, food production, tourism and research in rural areas. The study also reveals the potential economic contributions of rural areas to the national economy. It emphasizes the importance of sustainable community development and highlights the role of rural areas in resilience and climate change adaptation. Additionally, the study addresses the complexities surrounding rural migration and emphasizes the need for comprehensive policies to ensure the well-being and rights of migrant workers. The insights and recommendations provided in this study aim to guide policymakers and stakeholders involved in rural development initiatives, particularly in the Mediterranean region.Research limitations/implicationsNonetheless, it is imperative to acknowledge certain limitations within the scope of this study, primarily associated with the specific sample selection, potentially influencing the broader applicability of the findings. There is potential to explore a wider geographic area in future research. Additionally, the research underscores the importance of conducting further inquiries into certain aspects that have received limited attention. Living labs are a relatively recent phenomenon, warranting further in-depth scientific research. Additionally, the existing literature on this subject is often limited in scope.Practical implicationsThe study and project aim to illustrate the feasibility of initiating a transformative process, centered on a visionary approach with a core focus on creative knowledge and the Mediterranean diet as a way of life, to revitalize marginalized communities. Furthermore, it seeks to emphasize that these neglected regions possess untapped potential for innovative ideas and opportunities. Rural communities, in their role as farmers of primary goods, are the ones who nurture the environment, and the landscape, and are the true protagonists of every era. Rurality is the place that preserves the most resources and potential in terms of biodiversity and rural knowledge. Every territory, like every human being, has its own characteristics and vocations to pursue. The existing Genius Loci is already an existing value that requires policies and governance to rediscover roots, identity and worth. The stratification of existing collective intelligence must become central and must be individually assessed and enhanced, also taking advantage of new digital technologies.Social implicationsThe social implications of this study are significant. By emphasizing the importance of re-establishing connections and cultivating a sense of belonging within rural communities, the study recognizes the social value of strong community ties. This can lead to increased social cohesion, a sense of identity and improved overall well-being within rural areas. The study also highlights the potential of digital and creative tools in enhancing learning, which can contribute to the empowerment and educational opportunities of individuals in rural communities. Furthermore, by promoting sustainable community development and addressing the complexities surrounding rural migration, the study acknowledges the social impact of inclusive policies that protect the rights and well-being of both local populations and migrant workers. Overall, the study's recommendations have the potential to foster social resilience, equity and a more vibrant social fabric within rural areas.Originality/valueThis study can offer valuable insights and recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders involved in rural development initiatives, particularly those focused on preserving food and cultural heritage in rural areas. By analyzing real-life examples, it bridges the gap between theory and practice, illustrating how these ideas have been effectively applied in specific contexts. This paper emphasizes the potential of the Mediterranean Diet as a sustainable and nutritious model with sociocultural, health, economic and environmental benefits, highlighting the importance of bottom-up approaches that empower local communities as custodians of knowledge and culture. It also provides practical strategies, such as investments in educational programs, the establishment of international campuses and the use of multichannel platforms for immersive experiences, which can be adapted for broader rural development initiatives, promoting sustainability and community engagement.