“We learned from the mistake made in Imia and Turkey has understood this – We are experiencing the clash of two worlds”

THE war in Ukraine it was not just a conflict of two states but a conflict of two worlds. The question is whether, in the new landscape that is taking shape, this conflict will acquire permanent characteristics, or whether Russia will eventually change course. But for the latter to happen, there will have to be a change in its leadership. The domino of developments will affect the future of Europe and of course Greece-Turkey relations. “Europe is divided right now”says Mr. Despotopoulos.

We met the well-known internationalist in his studio Newsbeast and we had a full discussion with him starting from the battle front. We talked about the vital problems that exist in Europe, the role of China and the countries of Asia. We caught up with Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s plans until Turkey’s long-awaited elections take place. “Europe has no defense at the moment. And if you don’t have a defense, you don’t really have a real say on the international stage. The economy alone is not enough”emphasizes Mr. Despotopoulos. “So Europe has two paths. To still let the Americans do the “dirty” work or to have its own military voice and be able to fend off Asian competition. In this case it will be easier for Europe to collude with Russia”.

Does the latest development, with Turkey accepting the request of Finland and Sweden, mean that Erdogan has chosen a side or was it just a tactical move? “One of Erdogan’s goals was to deliver a positive message to his country”Mr. Despotopoulos tells us and adds: “He dragged the two countries into a three-page memorandum of cooperation, for me it was humiliating what they signed to join NATO. He made it and met Mr. Biden. And I imagine he would have taken something under the table as well. This will unfold over time. I dare to say that the Turkish bazaar is not finished”.

Mr. Despotopoulos believes that the relations between Greece and Turkey will be in tension until the elections are held in Turkey. “I don’t think we will have a total conflict. Nobody wants her. Turkey has open fronts. He knows that a war with Greece will have an uncertain outcome. He will have a big blow, as we will of course”. Nevertheless, he does not rule out risky moves from the opposite side and stands by the mistake made by the Greek government in the Imia incident in 1996. “We lost there”.

Listen to the interesting analysis of Alexandros Despotopoulos on the Newsbeast podcast.

Timeline

0:45 The explosive situation in Ukraine and what the future will bring. Will Europe and Russia come together or will there be a split, creating a new pole?

2:05 The important question is whether Russia will want to close all open issues in the wider region. There is a possibility that the war will not stop because the Russians seem to be holding out.

7:00 The new strategy being formed in Europe with the possible participation of Finland and Sweden in NATO.

9:17 When Europe is really in danger, it mobilizes. What will be the role of NATO and what will happen in Asia

12:51 We are heading for a bipolar world at the level of superpowers. Where is Europe in all this? Can he have a starring role again?

17:43 Tayyip Erdogan’s goals, the humiliating memorandum signed by Finland and Sweden, the meeting with Joe Biden and what the Turkish president may have got under the table.

20:53 The benefits and concerns of the future accession of two countries to NATO.

23:04 We are in a state of tension until the elections in Turkey. But why would Erdogan not want to take it to the extreme and cross the red line

25:43 We must defend our sovereignty but in the face of a real danger. We should be ready to answer the big challenges.

Newsbeast Podcast

Constantinos Iatridis: “For every Turkish scenario there will be a similar response – Greece has changed and is determined towards Turkey”

Christos Argyriou: “The Greek army is a strong opponent – If Turkey crosses the red line, it may cease to exist in its current form”

Vassilis Martzoukos: “Greece would like a unified European army, but there is a great difficulty in creating it”

Ioannis Baltzoi: “Thucydides’ trap and the creation of the new gigantic coalition of states that cannot be countered”

Konstantinos Filis: “We are heading towards a de-globalization, which will have a big impact on the European economies”

Lampros Tzoumis: “Erdogan is looking for a great success against Greece, a crisis with the dilemma: war or compromise”

Evangelos Venetis: “A new era is dawning, a New Order of Things that can last decades”

Stelios Fenekos: “Be prepared for an episode with Turkey – Our life in Europe is being militarized”