Greece and the Cold War: Diplomacy and Anti-Colonialism in the Aftermath of Civil Conflict

The Truman Doctrine in 1947 led the US to become deeply involved in Greek affairs, but the pro-Western government of Marshal Papagos supported the nationalist 'Enosis movement in Cyprus, leading to the outbreak of the first major crisis within NATO in 1954. Greece and the Cold War examines these developments from the perspective of critical international theory and argues that nationalism and compliance with NATO's collective interests were two irreconcilable objectives in Greek foreign policy after 1952. This self-contradictory diplomatic doctrine, known as "dependent nationalism," lies at the heart of Greece's post-War failures to emancipate its politics from US intervention and to peacefully end its regional dispute with Turkey over Cyprus.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 18 April 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Truman Doctrine, announced in 1947, marked a significant turning point in the United States' involvement in Greek affairs. However, by 1952, a pro-Western government led by Marshal Papagos began to support the nationalist 'Enosis movement in Cyprus, advocating for an end to British colonial rule on the island. The opposition of the US, Britain, and Turkey to these demands brought Greece to the brink of a major crisis within NATO, as it faced its closest allies at the United Nations. In response, Greece and the Cold War: Dependence and Nationalism in Greek Foreign Policy delves into these developments from a novel perspective of critical international theory, shedding light on the unexplored connections between dependence and nationalism in Greek foreign policy.

Drawing on a wide range of American, British, and Greek archival sources, the book argues that nationalism and compliance with the collective interests of NATO were two irreconcilable objectives in Greek foreign policy after 1952. Despite this, the post-Civil War governments of Greece treated these two objectives as essentially compatible, leading to the adoption of a dualist policy. This self-contradictory diplomatic doctrine, known as "dependent nationalism," lies at the heart of Greece's post-War failures to emancipate its politics from US intervention and to peacefully end its regional dispute with Turkey over Cyprus.

The book employs an interdisciplinary approach, drawing from diplomatic history, foreign policy analysis, and political sociology to explore these complex issues. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the political, economic, and social factors that shaped Greece's foreign policy decisions during the Cold War era, highlighting the challenges and complexities faced by the Greek government in navigating the geopolitical landscape.

In conclusion, Greece and the Cold War: Dependence and Nationalism in Greek Foreign Policy is a valuable contribution to the study of international relations and Greek history. By examining the interplay between dependence and nationalism in Greek foreign policy, the book offers a fresh perspective on the country's Cold War experiences and sheds light on the enduring legacies of this period. It is a must-read for scholars, students, and anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of international relations and the challenges faced by nations in the post-World War II era.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350205499