Ancestral purity or genetic mirage? The case of Macedonia

The year 2018 has transformed relations between Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). The Prespes agreement, signed on June 12, attempts to resolve the Macedonia name dispute, so that Greece will permit FYROM entry to the European Union and to NATO. It was followed by a vote by the FYROM Parliament on September 30 to change its name to "North Macedonia." Direct flights between the two capitals started on November 1.

The Yugoslavian state of Macedonia became independent in 1993 under the name "Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia." Greek governments have been opposed to the inclusion of the term "Macedonia" in the country's name. They argue that FYROM citizens are Slavs who speak a Bulgarian dialect, unlike the ancient Macedonians who were Greek and spoke a Greek dialect. Alexander the Great could not possibly be related to Slavs, who moved to the...