Long-Standing Tensions Between Greece and Turkey

A long-simmering dispute over Cyprus has fueled tensions between Greece and Turkey—both NATO allies since 1952—for decades. These tensions have occasionally led to near-war situations, notably in the 1990s. Although overt hostilities have cooled somewhat in recent years, Turkey’s pursuit of regional natural resources, alongside its controversial maneuvers in the Middle East and the Aegean Sea, has sparked accusations of neo-Ottoman ambitions.

Critics, including Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, contend that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan aims to “recreate” the Ottoman Empire. “There are voices in Turkey that harken back to Ottoman times, dreaming of an empire that includes parts of Greece, Syria, Iraq, Iran, and the Caucasus,” Dendias expressed in an interview. “I hope this is merely fanciful, but such rhetoric strains Greece-Turkey relations and creates challenges for NATO.”

Turkey’s Regional Policies and Domestic Woes

Erdoğan, who has presided over Turkey since 2014, has faced continued criticism for his domestic and regional policies. Actions taken by his administration in Iraq, Yemen, Libya, and Israel have drawn global scrutiny, while accusations regarding the mistreatment of various minority groups in Turkey have stymied the country’s efforts to join the European Union. These domestic policies complicate U.S.-Turkey relations even further.

One significant sticking point is Turkey’s opposition to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), regarded as a key U.S. ally in the ongoing battle against ISIS. Ankara views the SDF as tied to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which Turkey designates as a terrorist organization. This ongoing hostility has raised deep concerns regarding the future effectiveness of counter-ISIS operations, especially if the U.S. withdraws its military presence from the region.

“While ISIS is down, it is far from defeated,” warned Dendias. He added, “Its ideology, and that of groups like the Muslim Brotherhood, remain very much alive. Abandoning allies like the Kurds, who have fought alongside us against ISIS, would be a grave mistake.”

Geopolitical Implications for NATO

The evolving dynamics in Syria, paired with the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime, have exacerbated regional instability. The collaborative actions between Erdoğan and former U.S. President Donald Trump further complicate matters, given the speculation regarding how their relationship could influence Turkey’s ambitions. Dendias suggests that Trump’s unique standing might serve as a moderating force on Erdoğan, emphasizing respect for international laws and norms.

Dendias also cautioned against NATO enabling Turkey to foster broader instability in the eastern Mediterranean. “It would not benefit NATO or the United States to allow Turkey to escalate tensions further, especially considering the turmoil in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine,” he stated.

Intensifying Maritime Disputes and Military Posturing

Recently, Turkey resumed its “Blue Homeland” military exercises in the Black, Mediterranean, and Aegean Seas—a move Greece views as a provocative display of force. These exercises have reignited longstanding maritime disputes, with Turkey contesting Greece’s sovereign rights over islands in the Aegean, and making claims on the Greek island of Crete, which hosts a significant U.S. base at Souda Bay.

“This new Turkish neo-imperialist, neo-Ottoman approach is deeply troubling,” Dendias asserted. “They assert that half the Greek islands in the Aegean, and sometimes even Crete, belong to Turkey. Such claims are not only absurd but also dangerous.”

Greece’s Defense Strategy: A Call for Unity

In response to these tensions, Greece has significantly increased its defense spending, ranking fifth among NATO nations by allocating over 3% of its GDP. In contrast, Turkey’s defense spending stands just above 2% of GDP, placing it 18th among NATO members. Dendias emphasized the necessity for European nations to align their security priorities and enhance defense investments.

“Countries that disregard international law, including treaties and borders, pose the greatest threat—not just to Greece but globally,” Dendias argued. He expressed a willingness to discuss defense spending but insisted that the focus should be on addressing pressing threats rather than adhering to arbitrary spending targets.

Turkey’s Defense Minister Responds

In light of the accusations made against Turkey, Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler has pushed back against claims of expansionist motives. He defended the “Blue Homeland” exercises as a legitimate assertion of Turkey’s rights under international law. “Our efforts to protect our rights and interests in the region are grounded in international law,” Güler stated. He dismissed suggestions of aggression as baseless, arguing that portraying these initiatives as expansionist or aggressive misrepresents Turkey’s intentions.