Greece, European Political Cooperation and the Macedonian Question

This study presents and explains Greece's foreign policy towards former Yugoslavia within the context of European Political Cooperation (EPC) during the period of June 1991-December 1992.

This was primarily defined by the dispute with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and essentially constituted a manifestation of the Macedonian Question.

The analysis of Greek foreign policy within EPC is based on the theory of institutionalism, which claims that international regimes can influence state behaviour towards co-operative actions.

The application of institutionalism requires the existence of common interests and the presence of at least one regime.

This book shows the significant interests shared by Greece and FYROM, as well as how EPC can be viewed as a regime.

EPC was primarily responsible for dealing with issues arising from the disintegration of Yugoslavia during the months covered in the study.

It is demonstrated that until mid-January 1992, the Greek government pursued politics of co-operation and flexibility, often contrary to perceived national interests.

These politics were mainly regime-produced and related and hence explained by the theory of institutionalism. After 17th January 1991, Greece practised politics of limited co-operation within EPC and confrontation against RYROM.

The issue of the new republic's exact name gradually became of paramount importance, provoking popular passions and subordinating all other issues and concerns connected to former Yugoslavia.

This study argues that the specific expansion of the conditions required for the application of institutionalism would allow the theory to retain its explanatory and predictive relevance.

Finally, specific lessons on the conduct of Greek foreign policy are discussed.