Wars destabilize Europe. And Greece even more. Greece now faces not only turkey, but also russia, having turned its back on the divided Arab world.
The Russia-Ukraine war has shaken the European economies and indirectly caused political instability in the two largest countries in the European Union, Germany and France. The EU is in worse shape than it was after the financial crisis in 2008 and the debt crisis that followed, but also after the explosion of refugees due to the war in Syria in 2015.
The fall of the Assad regime in Syria, together with the ongoing genocide in Palestine and the ongoing conflict in martyred Lebanon, will not only usher in millions of new refugees, but will profoundly change the political geography of the Middle East as it has been shaped ever as. . War II. The great secular regime of Arab nationalism has collapsed due to civil wars and foreign interventions. Libya, Iraq, Syria are black holes, like Afghanistan; The Islamic Republic of Iran, without its allies hezbollah and Hamas, without corridors to the Mediterranean sea, surrounded and bombarded by Israel, is accelerating its nuclear program.
Homeland Blue and Greater Israel
Territorially and strategically the winners are Turkey and Israel, the ones that were fighting until a few days ago. Israel after balancing Gaza and the genocide expands the Greater Israel plan; and Turkey aside the Kurds and realize the vision of the blue Homeland in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The accelerations in the Middle East are certainly connected to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine but also to the violent competitions to control strategic resources and trade routes. They also influence the “dead” time of American leadership, just before the unpredictable D. Trump.
But above all they show how fluid and constantly changing the relationship is: the future of Syria was decided by the balance agreed between Russia, Iran and Turkey with Israel; the Israel; Russia, although its own drones from Ukraine have hit Russian targets.
Meek Greece
Where is Greece in all this? Our country provided the US with perhaps the two most meaningful bases for its interventions in Ukraine and the Middle East: Alexandroupoli and Souda.Alexandroupolis, essentially a land bypass on the Dardanelles, angered Turkey, as well as Russia. Greece’s position is described as a docile and willing student of American policy,both in the genocide of Ukraine and Gaza. Greece showed only a small distance in a few United Nations votes.
In this situation of total tension to the US, without any visible material exchanges, Greece comes to talks with Turkey on the Aegean without a clear agenda, at least not publicly, because informally there is a framework, and there is a Minister Turkish Foreign Affairs promoting Fidan. .Basically,Greece comes in as a docile US ally and Turkey as a regional power that controls or participates in proxy wars,from Armenia and Syria to Libya.
It is indeed likely that Kyriakos Mitsotakis wished that no negotiations would proceed, that everything would remain as it is, pending or even gray, as happened more or less during the Post-colonial period.We do not know what promises he has made. it is certain, however, that if any regulation he attempts has questionable points, he will often find himself exposed, then the media hype and the deletion of dissenting Samaras will not be enough for him. And he won’t find pillows on his right, he’ll find the bed. Maybe that’s why he lays siege to Nikos Androulakis in a amiable way, after being taught by the Predator.
Wars affect us in all possible ways,both directly and indirectly.
What strategies can the EU adopt to address the rising instability in its member states?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Political Expert on European Instability
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good morning, and thank you for joining us today. We’re here to discuss a pressing issue impacting Europe – the ripple effects of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. To shed light on this,we have Dr. Elena Papadopoulos,a renowned expert in European political dynamics. Welcome, Dr. Papadopoulos.
Dr. Papadopoulos (DP): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
TNE: the article highlights that the Russia-Ukraine war has shaken European economies and political stability, particularly in major EU countries like Germany and France. Can you elaborate on how this conflict has escalated the situation in Europe?
DP: Absolutely. The war has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities within the EU. We see inflationary pressures soaring, energy prices fluctuating drastically, and supply chains experiencing notable disruptions. Beyond just economic impacts, the political ramifications are concerning; both Germany and France are grappling with internal unrest partly fueled by dissatisfaction over how they’re handling the crisis.
TNE: It’s alarming to hear that the EU is in a worse situation now than post-2008 financial crisis. How would you compare the two crises?
DP: The financial crisis of 2008 required coordinated recovery efforts primarily focused on economic stability, while the current situation is layered with geopolitical tensions. The EU’s response now must address not only economic recovery but also security concerns, particularly with the looming threats posed by Russia. Additionally,the political fragmentation we see today further complicates the EU’s ability to present a united front.
TNE: Speaking of fragmentation, the article specifically mentions Greece facing challenges not just from Turkey but also from Russia, especially in the context of its foreign policy turning away from the Arab world. What does this shift mean for Greece?
DP: Greece’s geopolitical positioning is becoming increasingly precarious. By distancing itself from the arab world, Greece risks losing valuable partnerships and regional allies, especially as Turkey’s influence in the Eastern Mediterranean grows. furthermore, with russia trying to expand its footprint in the region, Greece must navigate a delicate balance between national security and fostering relationships with EU allies. This complexity could have significant implications for Greece’s domestic and foreign policies.
TNE: There’s a lot at stake. What do you think Greece and the EU should prioritize to regain a foothold during these tumultuous times?
DP: Frist and foremost, a unified and coherent foreign policy is paramount. Greece should engage more closely with EU partners to address regional security issues together. Additionally, investing in renewable energy sources can aid in reducing dependence on external gas supplies, providing economic stability. fostering dialogue with neighboring countries, including those in the Arab world, is crucial to reintegrate Greece back into the regional political landscape.
TNE: Those are insightful recommendations. With the rising instability in Europe, what role do you think public sentiment plays in shaping these political decisions?
DP: Public sentiment is incredibly influential. Discontent among citizens can lead to pressure on governments to adopt isolationist, populist policies, which can further destabilize the region. Leaders must effectively communicate the complexities of these challenges to the populace. when the public understands the interconnectedness of security and economic stability, they’re more likely to support diplomatic efforts and a unified EU response.
TNE: Dr. Papadopoulos, thank you for sharing your insights on these critical matters. It’s clear that while the challenges are daunting, proactive strategies and unity could help navigate this turbulent period.
DP: Thank you for having me. addressing these issues collaboratively is indeed the path forward for both Greece and the broader European Union.
TNE: It has been a pleasure. Let’s continue to closely monitor these developments as they unfold. thank you to our viewers for tuning in, and we hope you found this discussion enlightening.