Greece’s crucial role on NATO’s southern flank

The war in Ukraine has re-energized NATO. The most successful military alliance in the history of international relations is in the process of further deterring the aggression of Russia and reinforcing its defense posture. It is also looking for practical ways to manage the Chinese challenge that has emerged in recent years. The 2022 strategic doctrine and the 2023 Vilnius summit communique outline the new policies.

While NATO's priorities are clear, the so-called 360-degree approach has become imperative to ensure that no region will be left behind. The natural emphasis placed on the eastern flank and the Indo-Pacific generates some concerns about the capacity of the Alliance to simultaneously act on all fronts, including a region of particular significance to Greece: the Mediterranean. In startling contrast to some comments made in the public discourse about the alleged...