Summary: The article describes the Middle East and the North African region as areas of high priority, not only for the United States and the Soviet Union, but for third parties as well, such as Washington’s Western European allies. Their rival actions, both in line with the national strategic planning and through the coordination mechanisms of the European Economic Community are illustrated by key examples from the diplomatic practice. The critical analysis exposes the fact that among them France had the most active diplomacy and consolidating position. The conclusion underlines the insufficient Bulgarian academic literature on the subject as well as the favourable conditions for its enrichment in view of the multiple detailed information papers available in the State Archives of Bulgaria relating to the Cold War period.
Keywords: Western Countries, Geopolitics, Post-Colonial History, Mediterranean Region
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