🗺️ Historical Background
- Ottoman Legacy: Greece's centuries under Ottoman rule still influence modern perceptions.
- Population Exchange (1923): Treaty of Lausanne initiated forced relocations based on religion.
- Cyprus Crisis (1974): Turkish invasion following a Greek-backed coup led to a divided Cyprus.
⚔️ Key Areas of Tension
1. Aegean Sea Disputes
Conflicts over airspace, territorial waters, and undersea resources, with the threat of casus belli.
2. Eastern Mediterranean Gas Exploration
Disputes over Exclusive Economic Zones and maritime drilling rights near Crete and Cyprus.
3. Cyprus Issue
Greece supports reunification; Turkey pushes for a two-state solution and maintains military presence.
4. Migration and Border Tensions
Recurring confrontations at borders and in the Aegean over migrant flows and alleged pushbacks.
🤝 Cooperation & Dialogue
- NATO Membership: Both nations are NATO allies despite frequent disputes.
- Earthquake Diplomacy: Disasters have occasionally brought about solidarity.
- Recent Rapprochements: Confidence-building and diplomatic visits have resumed post-2023.
🌍 Broader Geopolitical Context
- EU-Turkey Relations: Greece uses EU leverage against Turkish actions in disputed regions.
- US and NATO Dynamics: Tensions affect alliance cohesion and regional security.
- Russia and Regional Balance: Both nations manage independent ties with Moscow.
🔮 Outlook
The relationship is poised between rivalry and pragmatic cooperation, with flashpoints remaining but opportunities for shared interests in tourism, trade, and diplomacy.