International Relations and the Macedonian Question

International Relations and the Macedonian Question [in Greek] analyses Greek foreign policy towards the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) during the period of 1991-2002, when the new Macedonian Question re-emerged on the international and Balkan scenes, following the relative calm of the Cold War years. In explaining Greece’s record, Dr Aristotle Tziampiris utilizes the international relations theories of realism, institutionalism and constructivism. Three distinct periods are covered. The first between1991-1992 involved cooperation between Greece and FYROM, largely as a result of European Political Cooperation. The subsequent phase (1992-1995) is dramatic and involves serious diplomatic conflict centered on the young democracy’s exact name. Finally, after 1995 and the signing of the Interim Accord (that however excluded the name issue), bilateral relations were normalized and improved significantly, especially in the realm of economics. When interethnic conflict broke out in FYROM in 2001, Athens’ role was both supportive and constructive, proving that a new Greek foreign policy in the Balkans (enjoying bipartisan support), has irrevocably emerged.