Transformation of Greco-Turkish relations after 1999 : military and economic aspects

Abstract

Greek-Turkish relations used to follow a fluctuating trend. The relationship is a cycle of conflict and cooperation. Up to now, Greece and Turkey attempted to ameliorate their relations several times. However, these attempts occasionally failed due to lack of adequate and sufficient willingness of both parties. There is a growing literature on how this cyclical trend changed since 1999. Different from the previous attempts, current transformation in relations seems to be the reflection of the willingness of political elites, military and the civilians in both Turkey and Greece. This factor differentiates this current thaw in two countries’ relations from the previous ones. This thesis mainly aims to examine whether there is empirical evidence of a transformation in Greco-Turkish relations, notably in military and economic aspects. The main findings show that Greece and Turkey do indeed experience a transformation in their military and economic relations. Regarding economic relations, the two states experience a vivacity concerning major economic activities such as trade, investment and tourism. Meanwhile, their military relations, apart from the occasional tensions triggered by territorial and airspace violations, follow a progressive trend since 1999. The hostility level between the two countries has decreased and military staffs of two countries have more dialogue than in previous decades. To sum up, findings of this thesis prove that since 1999 Greco-Turkish relations have experienced an affirmative transformation with regard to economic and military aspects.