|
|
|
Nikolaos Zahariadis
ABSTRACT
The framework that may contain solutions to the difficult issues
separating Greece and Turkey must build on five pillars. First, the
focus must be on current and potential losses from further tension.
Research in psychology reveals that people are more risk-averse when
they are confronted with losses rather than gains. Hence a focus on the
impact of diverting funds from productive uses to arms purchases will
likely arrest tension. Second, confidence-building measures in the
security area will be more effective if they are coupled with a
multitude of business or tourism cooperation agreements. Third, while
outsiders can play a big role in bringing the two countries together,
Greece and Turkey are ultimately responsible for solving their own
problems with their own initiatives. Fourth, private citizens and civil
society organizations can do much more to promote useful and productive
national public discourses. The key is more information about each other
to dispel each other's misperceptions. This can be accomplished only in
a genuine democratic environment. Fifth, solutions must build and
amplify on the rule of law and the current treaties.
Nikolaos Zahariadis: Biographical Note
|
