Accession Number:

ADA280599

Title:

To Megali Idea - Dead or Alive? The Domestic Determinants of Greek Foreign Policy

Descriptive Note:

Master's thesis

Corporate Author:

NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA

Personal Author(s):

• Jenkins, Mary A.

Report Date:

1994-03-01

Pagination or Media Count:

72.0

Abstract:

This paper discusses to megali idea, or the Great Idea, which is at the origin of modem Greek nationalism. The Idea was to regain lands which formerly belonged to the Greek empire. The current Greek governments official line disavows any expansionist views, but the Idea has never really died. In amplification of this Idea and its ramifications, the origin and character of Greek nationalism are examined, especially as they pertain to the formation of Greek foreign policy. The problems of minorities within Greece, the Greek diaspora and the influence of the Greek Orthodox Church on foreign policy issues are also analyzed. The findings aid in a greater understanding of Greek foreign policy both in todays Balkan crisis and in Greeces ongoing conflict with Turkey, as well as illuminating the potential for Greeces involvement in future Balkan crises. Many of the conclusions presented in this paper were based on primary language research and interviews throughout mainland Greece and eighteen of the major islands, from September through November 1993. National elections which brought to power a socialist Prime Minister were held during October 1993, amid much rhetoric and international debate over questions of an independent Macedonia and minorities in Northern Epirus. Greece, Balkans, Minorities, Greek Orthodox Church.

Descriptors:

• *FOREIGN POLICY
• *GREECE
• POLICIES
• MINORITIES
• LANGUAGE
• CONFLICT
• POWER
• INTERNATIONAL
• CHURCHES
• AMIDES
• AMPLIFICATION
• MODEMS
• TURKEY
• ISLANDS
• ELECTIONS

Subject Categories:

• Government and Political Science

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE