Foreign Policy of Greece: Present and Past - Essay Example

Foreign Policy of Greece: Present And Past Introduction: Continuously developing world and changes in world politics present variety of challenge in front of the leaders who design foreign policy for their country, as well as for those people as well as who study foreign policy. In last few decades there is a drastic change and shift of power in the world politics. The world has changed from its previous structure in which there were only two superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Unions. During that phase, these two nations were the main players in global drama conquered by military, economical and political tensions. At present, new powerhouses have developed in various other parts of world, in Asia, Africa, and Latin America etc. In modern times there are lot of changes that have take place in the modern world and it is precisely because states are experiencing challenges and transformations in both internal and external prospect, therefore the analysis of foreign policy is important in modern times to understand country’s own position. Foreign policy analysis as a discrete area of inquiry “connects the study of international relations (the way states relate to each other in international politics) with the study of domestic politics (the functioning of governments and the relationships among individuals, groups, and governments). Thus, the study of foreign policy serves as a bridge by analyzing the impact of both external and internal politics on states’ relations with each other. Leaders cannot forge effective foreign policies without being aware of these connections; students cannot effectively evaluate foreign policy choices without recognizing these linkages” (Kaarbo et.al, 1-2). In this paper, the main objective is to analyze the importance of foreign policy in countries like Greece, what are the characteristics of their foreign policies and how they are facing various dilemmas while designing their own foreign policies. Development of Greece Foreign policy: After the country has ended its virtual separation from European politics in the 1970s, at the very beginning Greece has struggled to represent itself as a dependable colleague in regional, European as well as international affairs. After the autocracy ruling system fall in 1974, Greek domestic and foreign policy has started to normalized slowly. There was a tricky phase of adjustment during and after Cold War but, from 1996 onwards foreign policy became more logical in the Greece politics. Difficult adjustment in 1981: In Greece, there was a certain phase of difficulty for the political parties to establish a well balanced foreign policy. In the year of 1981, the centre-right leader Constantine Karamanlis secured Greeces appointment to the European Community (EC), now known as European Union and by this process he was able to resolve Greeces one of the long lasting political problem which was historically known as East-or-West dilemma. However, a sequence of Socialist governments under the leadership of Andreas Papandreou from 1981 to 1989 jeopardized Athenss relationships with both the United States and its European partners. (Oxford Analytica) It was a proven fact that Papandreou was able to win the election on the background of his strong anti-American and anti-European platform. Once he was on the power he showed more self-control, but he took every chance to create difference between Washington and Moscow. Apart from that he was one of the strong critics of the socioeconomic inequalities between north and south Europe. He took various steps during his tenure and among those steps or policy some were really popular among the people of the country. Objectives and some key features of Greece Foreign Policy: According to Stephanou, in modern times the key objectives of Greek foreign policies are as follows: Promoting peace and security in the region; promoting political union in the European region; preserving and developing Us-Greek strategic partnership, ensuring stability, democracy and economic recovery in the south-eastern parts of the Europe. (Stephanou, 137-138). The main objective of the foreign policy of Greece has changed over the time and the change is very much prominent. At the very beginning, that is during the rule of socialist government one of the key feature of the Greece was the policy related to Turkey-‘Sacrificing Turkey’. According to the report published in Oxford Analytica, this specific Turkey related foreign was very popular in Greece as majority of the people in the country were anti-American and they were eagerly waiting (with 85% support) for that day. But as a matter of fact, this policy also made his global allies unconvinced about his obviousness. Apart from that during his tenure in the Greece his tendency to play the nationalism card during the phase of domestic trouble was a common one as he always played that card when he felt that he need to divert people attention from the domestic problem in Greece. It was also a reason behind tensed Greek-Turkish tensions ‘which peaked in 1987, when conflict in the Aegean was only narrowly avoided.” (Oxford Analytica) Balkan disarray: After the end of Cold War large number of domestic scandals left Greece in crisis and as a result there was no proper government in place for a period of one year (1989-1990). The conventional administration of Constantine Mitsotakis from 1990 to 1993 was not able to acclimatize with the variety of dealings in the Balkans. In the year of 1993, Papandreou returned to power of Greece and he started to develop a more stable relation with the European Union and Washington. But as a matter of fact his Balkan policy remained controversial as he forced a partial restriction on a comparatively weak Macedonia and continued his support for Serbia. (Oxford Analytica) Change in the Greece Foreign Policy: As the time moves on, with the change in the power at the center the foreign policy of Greece was also started to change. When the pro-European Socialist Costas Simitis came to the power in the year 1996, foreign policy of Greece was started to change dramatically. The above mentioned change gathered more impetus when Papandreous son, George, had taken the responsibility of foreign minister in the year of 1999. During his tenure, Greece entered a new stage of moderation, with a clear indication of resolving differences with various other foreign superpowers. From the year of 1998 till 2004, a submissive panic of globalization gave way to a multinational simplicity, and Athens began to play an improved global responsibility which almost exceeded its concrete capabilities. (Oxford Analytica). Turkey: The two greatest successes of the Simitis government were the improvement in Greek-Turkish relations and Cypruss EU accession. Promoting Ankaras EU perspective with some consistency, Athens unburdened itself of its anti-Turkish reputation and forced opponents of Turkish accession out into the open. Greece believed that putting Ankara firmly on track to the EU would shift certain issues into the European arena, and it started developing a series of confidence-building measures with Ankara. Although major issues of contention still exist, this has resulted in a slow but consistent normalization of bilateral relations. Another key part associated with the foreign policy of Greece was the decision regarding whether to include Cyprus in the EU or not. As the matter came to light Athens wanted to gain goodwill alongside France and Germany. Apart from that, Athens cleverly posed the predicament within the EU of “whether support should be given to a firm and predictable partner, Greece (which was in favor of Cypruss accession), or to Turkey, a large Muslim country with a fluid sociopolitical status quo. Ankaras threats of the possible consequences of Cypruss accession helped Athenss position; Cyprus joined the EU without incident, and without a resolution of the Cyprus issue.” (Oxford Analytica) New Activities: In 2006, Dora Bakoyannis take up the charge of the foreign ministry. During his tenure she has increased Greek actions in the Balkans, “promoting the Euro-Atlantic aspirations and perspectives of the Western Balkan states, while also mediating in the Kosovo-related tensions in EU-Serbian relations.”(Oxford Analytica) If one analyze the pattern of work of the foreign ministry o Greece, Molyviatis in his tenure openly encouraged associations with Moscow in great deal during his time and on the other hand, Bakoyannis able to figured out the ground reality of that long lasting clearly realized that there ware limits to the potential for Greek-Russian relationship, as it was a proven fact by then that Washington holds the key to decision of Greeces important national issues which includes issues like finding acceptable way out on the Macedonia and many others. During the 2008 NATO summit, Greece was very well prepared as they was able to ensured support from France and Germany to oppose the membership invitation for Skopje under the name Macedonia. The international status Greece currently enjoys has resulted from the 1998-2004 policy makeovers. It has earned Athens an image of stability in foreign affairs founded on: political and economic solvency previously foreign to the region; a strong and constructive presence in its neighborhood, bolstering both security and stability; political maturity immune to the nationalistic reflexes of the past; relatively stable growth; and a consistent commitment to Western standards and international law that quelled any doubts as to Athenss orientation and intentions. Few challenges for the Greece Foreign policy: In the recent year Greece as a country is going through high financial crisis. Last few years were the most troublesome time for the Greece as their financial stability was nil and for every activity they were looking for the foreign support. In recent years, “improving the image of Greece, a successful Greek EU Presidency, managing the "national" issues and responding to the crises in the Middle East are the main issues on Greeces foreign policy agenda”(Savvides). At some point in the first half of 2014 there will be obvious signs about whether or not the Greece as a country will be able to reform and put into practice its obligations so that they able to accomplish economic recovery. Political stability will be therefore a key to attain the same success. “The main “bet” for the country remains political stability which is a precondition for economic stabilization. Within this fluid political and economic environment, the Greek government will have to manage major foreign policy issues. It is well known that Greeces foreign policy has been at a state of paralysis and introversion.” (Savvides) In modern time, there are four key issues associated with the Greek Foreign policy which they need to address fast to ensure political and economical stability. These are: 1. Developing the representation of the country in more stable way and reorganizing the mechanisms associated with its foreign policy making. 2. The country need to ensure its presidency of EU. 3. To ensure effective management of the national issue such as Cyprus problem, developing Greek-Turkish relationship etc. 4. Ensure developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East region to ensure stability in the region. (Savvides) Developing the representation of the country in more stable way and reorganizing the mechanisms associated with its foreign policy making: The current negative global press information about Greeces EU Presidency, exhibit it very clearly that the image of the country in the European Union remain very poor. It is very clear from the report that Greece as a nation has not able to exonerate itself from the opinion that Greece as a country is not competent enough and most importantly is unreliable. As a matter of fact, it is still measured as the “weak link” in the Europe. From the analysis of the above report it is very clear that as a country Greece is not able to persuade about its seriousness and skill to deal with the crisis effectively alone and to it has also failed to prove itself as a reliable partner to other European nations.”Moreover, an important factor that contributed to this situation is the disfunction of the diplomatic mechanism and other institutions of foreign policy as a result, among other things, of the strict austerity measures. Hence, 2014 requires a renewal of these mechanisms.”(Savvides) The country need to ensure its presidency of EU: It is a proven fact that under the present circumstances in Europe and Greece, no one has any expectation about the Greek EU presidency as none of the member nation is thinking that Greek EU presidency will be a “golden” one. But it is very important for the future prospect of Greece that they must ensure the Presidency is fulfilled without any kind of political or managerial tribulations. Savvides in his review mentioned that “the EU Presidency offers Greece with a unique opportunity to return to a more extroverted, energetic and constructive policy. A decent Presidency will greatly help to improve the countrys image.” (Savvides) To ensure effective management of the national issue such as Cyprus problem, developing Greek-Turkish relationship etc: In Greece there is a great hope that in the year 2014, there will be developments about the “national” issues and most importantly those developments will be catalytic in nature. The major focus is on the Cyprus issue. Experts are expecting in that the coming months the Greek administration will have to make significant and decisive steps and have to participate more effectively and purposefully to achieve an all-inclusive resolution. Political experts are suggesting that negotiation talk between Greece and Cyprus will start sooner rather than later. Therefore during the last phase of 2014 all involved parties in the above matter will face a substantial amount of political dilemma about their stand point. In addition to that, the Cyprus crisis and Greek-Turkish associations are closely tangled with each other. Therefore any kid of developments in Cyprus issue will form the structure and outline of the Greek-Turkish rapprochement. An optimistic and constructive result on Cyprus will definitely create the essential impetus in order to speed up the tentative talks on the subject of the awaiting issues of “the continental shelf and other Greek-Turkish disputes.”(Savvides) Likewise any kind of breakdown would intensify the competition and add to the threat for a new Greek-Turkish catastrophe. Without doubt, any kind of political development in Turkey will manipulate the path these issues will take in the coming future. Another national issue that the Greek foreign policy has to address is problem associated with FYROM. (Savvides) Despite the stubbornness of the administration of FYROM, the United Nations and the European partners have mobilized to find a solution of the “name” problem. In 2014, negotiations will start again and the Greek government has to display a positive and constructive attitude towards this problem. Savvides in his report mentioned that “2014 might be the year in which Athens will be forced to make hard decisions about all the “national” issues.” (Savvides) Ensure developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East region to ensure stability in the region The vast geographical diversity provides the country various opportunities and challenges. In 2014, there will be significant developments in the energy division and about the finding and examination of gas and oil in the region. Therefore Greece has a key role to play in the energy game and therefore it is obvious that they must design their foreign policy accordingly. On the basis of the level of discovery of hydrocarbons, Athens must be geared up for substantive and hard discussions with all other neighboring countries. (Savvides) Apart from the above mentioned internal factor, several other external factors such as, the civil war in Syria, volatility in Egypt and the everlasting Palestinian-Israeli disagreement will intensify political indecision and will add to the risk of local instability in Greece. With a stable foreign policy Greece has to fight against all these volatile situations. It is absolutely necessary for Greece to be prepared to deal with the possible shock of the continuation of these crises, “such as an increasing the flow of refugees as well to offer its infrastructures for military or humanitarian operations.” (Savvides) Along with handing the crises situation around them, another significant test for the Greek foreign policy is to reinforce its Euro-Atlantic profile. The calamity has led a variety of services in the state to suggest shifting the direction of the nation from the Western world (that is from Europe and America) towards the Eastern part of the globe and more specifically towards Asia. However, “past occurrence shows that Greece only gains when it remains focus on its Euro-Atlantic orientation. The active participation of Greece in European affairs as well as the deepening of its relations with the United States can only help addressing the current challenges.” (Savvides) Communicating Greek foreign policy to the Greek public: In order to make any foreign policy successful specific country must ensure the fact that their natives must understand the policy well. In this regard, communicating foreign policy to the Greek public is directly associated with communication overseas and therefore it can be a symbol of why Greece has invested so little in informing their policy to the abroad. “Informing national publics on foreign policy is not a matter of public diplomacy but of public affairs. In Greece, informing domestic public opinion on international matters concerning the country is a competence of the Secretariat General of Information and Communication. (Skouroliakou, 23) The expression of right and wrong has been of very high significance in Greece as much as it has been in other parts of the world. The people of Greek, especially in the issue of Turkey, have been rooted with antagonistic imagery of the “Other”, which till date is strongly present in the mind of people (Millas). Moreover, ‘compromise’ is a word with very pessimistic connotations from the people of Greek as the people of the country are very aggressive to the idea of cooperation. As a matter of fact, what is measured as a preferred result in international affairs, in Greece it equals nationwide disloyalty. So for Greek government it is very important that they communicate the foreign policy more carefully to the people and due to this aggressive mindset often the government was unable to disclose their judgments. (Skouroliakou, 23) – “Foreign policy in Greece is heavily emotionalized. It suffices to say that foreign policy issues are called “national issues’. The term itself is problematic in communication.” (Skouroliakou, 23-24) Conclusion: From the above analysis it is very clear that the Greek foreign policy is now facing some of its more crucial dilemmas and uncertain decision phase and most importantly in modern times the foreign policy needs an effective and timely measured and structured communication strategy in the form of communal diplomacy. By appealing international spectators to promote foreign policy Greece as a nation can enlarges its perspective and therefore can play a more important and significant roll in political and economic developments. Public diplomacy, particularly through its third dimension – association building – can generate or improve a certain picture of a country in the long term. In addition, the picture of a state is subject to change; yet, it is linked with some specific values and ideas, which usually develop its own image. The image of Greece as a nation has suffered major blows for 20011 due to financial crisis However, their very old history and civilization, which have created its identity and have enhanced their reputation worldwide, will continue to be a basis of stimulating the country’s image in the present crisis time as well. 1. Kaarbo Juliet et.al; The Analysis of Foreign Policy in Comparative Perspective; ND; Web; 9.4.2014 from http://www.cqpress.com/docs/college/Beasley2e.pdf 2. Millas, Heracles; Images of Greeks and Turks, Athens: Alexandria; 2001; Print 3. Oxford Analytica Daily Brief Service; GREECE: Foreign policy shift boosts Athenss standing; 2008; Web; 10.4.2013 from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy2.apus.edu/docview/192450958/E07BF07936304640PQ/17?accountid=8289# 4. Savvides Phillippos; The Four Challenges for Greek Foreign policy; Time of Change: politics; 2014; Web; http://www.thetoc.gr/eng/politics/article/the-four-challenges-for-greek-foreign-policy-in-2014 5. Skouroliakou Melina; The Communication Factor in Greek Foreign Policy: An Analysis; Hellenic Observatory Papers on Greece and Southeast Europe: 55; 2012; Web; 10.4.2014; http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/42851/1/GreeSE%20No55.pdf 6. Stephanou, Constantine A.; The foreign policy of Greece; About Greece; nd; Web; 10.4.2014 http://video.minpress.gr/wwwminpress/aboutgreece/aboutgreece_foreign_policy.pdf Read More