Military cooperation between Greece and the USA : the significance of diplomacy and the evolution of the Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement (MDCA) from 1990 to present

Master Thesis
Συγγραφέας
Anastasiou, Foteini
Αναστασίου, Φωτεινή
Ημερομηνία
2025-01Προβολή/ Άνοιγμα
Λέξεις κλειδιά
Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement (MDCA) ; Greece-USA relations ; Strategic interests ; Bilateral relations ; Multilateral relations ; Regional diplomacy ; Security challenges ; Eastern Mediterranean security ; Geopolitical dynamics ; Συμφωνία Αμοιβαίας Αμυντικής Συνεργασίας (ΣΑΑΣ) ; Σχέσεις Ελλάδας-ΗΠΑ ; Στρατηγικά συμφέροντα ; Διμερείς σχέσεις ; Περιφερειακή διπλωματία ; Προκλήσεις ασφαλείας ; Ασφάλεια Ανατολικής Μεσογείου ; Γεωπολιτική δυναμικήΠερίληψη
This thesis analyzes the history and importance of military cooperation between Greece
and the United States of America (USA) with a focus on the Mutual Defense Cooperation
Agreement (MDCA), covering developments since its inception in 1990 up to 2024. The MDCA
has been an important forum for bilateral relations covering mutual interests related to
regional stability and security cooperation between both countries as well as strategic
developments in the Eastern Mediterranean.
It is true that Athens enjoys pivotal relations with Washington going back to the
aftermath of World War II (WWII) and reaching maturity through events such as the formation
of the Truman Doctrine in support for Greece or its entrance into the North Atlantic Treaty
Organization (NATO) in 1952. This formed the basis of assistance from the U.S. military during
important time periods such as the post-WWII era (Cold War) and then over the years under a
repressive military Junta regime, helping Greece foil attempts by communism to advance its
influence in Europe through Greece's borders. The paper outlines how U.S. military activity in
Greece has supported regional security efforts, highlighting Greek value as a NATO southern
flank and American forward operating base location.
In light of the changing realities that have been shifted due to the demise of the Soviet
Union, regional events, and the latest threats such as terrorism, this thesis also explores how
MDCA have evolved over time. Focusing on US-Greek military cooperation, it maps the effects
of a post-9/11 security landscape at: joint exercises, technological upgrades and defense
capabilities that support Greece's capacity within NATO.
In addition, the research addresses how diplomacy supports building and broadening of
the MDCA, showing that high-level discussions have become essential in allowing for ongoing
adaptability, creating space to cover new security threats. An important task is managing
complex regional dynamics, especially rising tensions with Turkey and advancing peace and
stability through cooperative frameworks.
Also, it discusses the implications of the MDCA for regional stability and energy security
in the Eastern Mediterranean, stressing Greece's geostrategic by rising competition among
energy interests and matters pertaining to sea-based conflicts. It argues that the MDCA were
not solely for military benefits but also to strengthen Greece's diplomatic position in
international fora and during summits as being a credible stakeholder within NATO’s
conciliating collective defense.
This thesis concludes that the MDCA is not just a defense agreement but rather an all encompassing framework shrouding Greek-American relations, analyzing how interlinked
diplomacy and military power are in shaping 21st century security threats. The conclusions
underline the need for continued collaboration between Greece and America in replicating a
stable and safe Eastern Mediterranean geography, with the MDCA there as one of many vital
implements to this overarching objective.