Atlanticism and Europeanism in Greek foreign and security policy in the 1970s

Abstract

This article explores the shifts in Greek foreign and security policy in the period 1974–1981 based on recent archival material. It provides some insight into the factors that constrained and motivated the Greek conservative government’s foreign policy decisions during the 1970s and particularly after the invasion of Cyprus. In an effort to preserve and enhance its overall relationship with the Western camp in spite of domestic political pressures, the Greek government shifted its policy in the direction of Europe, aspiring to European Community membership while retaining its NATO links to the extent that was politically feasible at the time. The article also sheds light into the perceptions, assessments and ensuing priorities of some of the core members of NATO, and examines how these countries addressed the complications raised by tense Greek–Turkish relations and Greece’s withdrawal from the Alliance.