The ruptured relations between Greece and Turkey date back hundreds of years since Greece gained independence from the Ottoman Empire. Since the creation of modern Greece and modern Turkey, both sides have been fighting for influence in the Mediterranean and Balkan region. Turkey’s growing population and power are perceived as positions of strength over the region, with Greece unable to compete with its neighbour. In reality, however, Greece’s true power and influence in the region are hidden, hindered by its political elite, who refuse to position the country on a more equal level with its neighbour.
Since coming to power, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the current President of Turkey, has made it his political goal to undermine the power of Greece, trying to balance his country between the West and East in an effort to outmaneuver Greece politically, economically and militarily. To his surprise, he has been helped by the Greek political elite, who over the years have portrayed Greece as a minor power in the region that constantly needs the aid of the West. However, it is my belief that this situation can be reversed if there is a clear outline as to what Greece can achieve to prevent further diplomatic downfall.
The main issue that Greece is dealing with at the moment is the growing political expansion of Turkey. These expansionist tactics aim to undermine Greece’s position and elevate Turkey as the standard shot caller in the Mediterranean and Balkans. Particularly in the Mediterranean sea, President Erdoğan has made it clear that he wishes to expand the sea borders of Turkey into those of Greece and Cyprus. There is an ongoing tension in the Aegean sea and in the area surrounding the illegally occupied northern part of Cyprus. The end goal in my view is pretty straightforward. Expolit and control the areas where oil and gas is found, to reduce its energy dependency from third countries. Both countries, and the EU, especially France, have criticized these exploitation tactics that undermine the territorial boundaries of Greece and Cyprus. However, can Greece do something different to protect its own claims? The short answer is yes, but stagnation from the Greek political elite complicates matters.
In his article “Greek-Turkish relations: The historical defeat of Greek elite and the return of the people”, professor of international politics and economics at the Royal Docks School of Business and Law, University of East London (UK) Vassilis Fouskas, outlines how the superiority of the political class of Turkey outmatches the Greek political class. This essentially turns the political landscape of Greece into a “hostage situation”, where every decision that needs to be made by the Greek side needs to be approved and double checked by the West. It is clear to me that since its admission into NATO, Greece has failed to produce any meaningful results that will guarantee its security in the region. Instead, we are witnessing a plan that has been manufactured for decades crafted by Turkey to exert control over the region. First, with the illegal invasion of Cyprus and the annexation of its northern part, occupying a territory that is not recognized by any country except for Turkey. Second, with the continuous provocations against Greece, who seem unable to make its own decisions without foreign approval.
For example, Greece has the right, according to customary international law codified in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to extend its territorial waters to 12 nautical miles in the Aegean sea. However, Greece has not exercised this right because Turkey continues to violate fundamental principles of the UN Charter, particularly concerning the use of force. It is true that since 1995, Turkey has been standing on the principle of casus belli, which will allow a military action against Greece. However, it is necessary to point out again that Greece has every right to do so, and in order to assert itself internationally, it must expand to 12 nautical miles further into the Aegean sea.
In conclusion, why does Greece allow itself to be projected as a minor entity in the international stage, when it is clear how much influence the country can have in the Mediterranean sea? In my opinion, two major factors play a role. As mentioned above, the harmful dependence of Greece on the West and the inaction of the political circle, has embedded a false idea of inferiority. This inferiority harms the national interests of Greece and showcases the inability to deal with matters on its own. The other major factor is the internal political conflicts that loom over the country like a plague. The average Greek voter has zero intention of positioning himself or herself into a more pragmatic reality of the situation that occurs over the years. Instead, their focus is primarily on party politics and accusations between right-wing and left-wing parties.
Unfortunately, in the end, it is not just the political elite that suffers from a lack of self-respect, but also the average Greek citizen. Greece does not deserve to be in the situation it is in. The Turkish provocations are a genuine threat to Greece’s international integrity. If Greece refuses to understand that, it will continue to be a state that not only fumbles diplomatically, but also economically and militarily. There can be peace in the Balkans and the Mediterranean, which must always be the objective. Nevertheless, peace and prosperity among all neighbors has to come with mutual respect. A nation that does not respect itself cannot demand respect internationally, and that needs to be understood as soon as possible.
Image: NASA
Comments