3. Greek-Turkish Tensions (1950s-Today)
Since both Greece and Turkey joined NATO in 1952, their bilateral relations have been marked by recurring disputes over Cyprus and the Aegean Sea. In 1974, Turkey’s military intervention in Cyprus, following a Greek-led coup, resulted in the island’s division and the establishment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognized only by Turkey. In recent years, Turkey’s expanding territorial claims in the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly concerning energy exploration rights, have intensified tensions. These ongoing disputes have periodically threatened the cohesion of NATO’s southeastern flank (cfr.org).
