Mistrust dies hard: Elite perceptions and Greek-Turkish relations

Abstract

This chapter deals with the repercussions of the financial crisis on Greek elites with a focus on foreign policy. It is based on a quantitative research study conducted in 2014 by the authors in an effort to arrive at an understanding of, among other things, Greek elites’ views and perceptions on Turkey and Greek-Turkish relations at a time of extensive political, economic, and societal crisis. It then introduces foreign policy analysis (FPA) and role theory as analytical tools for understanding the national role conception of the elites. The study has followed the usual pattern of studies that examine role perceptions and adopted a case study research approach. However, unlike the common practice in the field, the authors followed a different path for data collection. Instead of relying on public statements and speeches, they carried out a structured questionnaire survey using the summated rating (or Likert) scale with representative members of the foreign policy, military, academic, business, and media elite in Greece. They then analysed the responses with particular focus on those by politicians and diplomats, and found that although significant progress has been made in the improvement of bilateral relations since 1999, there is still a high degree of mistrust among Greek elites regarding Turkish intentions as most key divisive issues between the two countries - including Cyprus, bilateral ties, Turkey’s relations with the European Union - remain fundamentally contentious…. © Peter Lang GmbH Internationaler Verlag der Wissenschaften Berlin 2018.