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Elizabeth Prodromou: Perils of Timing and Problems of Legitimacy: Challenges to a Greek-Turkish Rapprochement
ABSTRACT
This paper addresses the central issue of timing as it relates to the
possibilities for a normalization of Greek-Turkish relations in the
post-Cold War period. The talk will address three main issues which have
contributed to problematic timing: first, the divergent paths of
democratization in Greece and Turkey since 1974 and 1982, respectively,
concentrating on the former's efforts at qualitative improvements in a
fully consolidated democracy versus the latter's relapse into modified
authoritarianism; second, the regional context of European expansion,
whereby responses by Athens and Ankara to Turkish entry into the customs
union have been coupled with a strengthening of Greece's EU locus and an
increasing ambiguity in Turkey's position in the EU; and, third, the
deteriorating strategic context, in which Greek-Turkish relations have
worsened precipitously since 1996--despite momentary windows of opportunity
for normalization—due to bi-lateral and multi-lateral constraints. The
paper concludes with an assessment of the legitimacy of each country within
Euro-American political-economic and military architectures, an evaluation
of the domestic legitimacy of each state, and some comments on prospects
for a Greek-Turkish rapprochement.
Elizabeth Prodromou: Biographical Note
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