Πυρηνική στρατηγική & ασφάλεια : ο ρόλος του ΝΑΤΟ στην Ελλάδα και την Ανατολική Μεσόγειο
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Keywords
Πυρηνική στρατηγική ; Αποτροπή - εκτεταμένη αποτροπή ; ΝΑΤΟ ; Ισορροπία δυνάμεων ; Καθεστώς πυρηνικής συνευθύνης ; Στρατηγική κουλτούραAbstract
The present thesis, entitled “Nuclear Strategy and Security: NATO’s Role in Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean”, examines in depth the relationship between NATO’s nuclear strategy and regional stability, with particular emphasis on Greek security strategy. Its aim is to highlight the ways in which NATO’s collective deterrence, grounded in the principle of extended deterrence, shapes the balance of power in the Eastern Mediterranean and the prospects of Greece as a member state.
Part A introduces the theoretical and historical framework. It analyzes the significance of the Eastern Mediterranean as a zone of geopolitical competition and the evolution of NATO’s nuclear strategy from the doctrine of “Massive Retaliation” to “Flexible Response” and to the contemporary multi-layered deterrence architecture. At the same time, it presents the theoretical foundations of deterrence through realism and the balance of power, as well as the Regional Security Complex Theory (Buzan & Wæver), which identifies the Eastern Mediterranean as a regional complex of tensions and cooperation.
Part B focuses on Greece’s position within NATO, its strategic infrastructures, and its role in the Alliance’s deterrence architecture. Particular emphasis is placed on the case study of Greek-Turkish relations: from Turkey’s nuclear ambition to Greece’s “non-nuclear balancing” strategy, based on advanced conventional capabilities and strategic alliances (notably with the United States and France). The thesis assesses both the positive impacts (deterrence, technological upgrading, energy security) and the negative ones (dependence, social sensitivities, credibility dilemmas) of NATO’s strategy for Greece. Finally, it proposes policies and scenarios for strengthening Greece’s strategic posture, including the potential of participating in NATO’s Nuclear Sharing framework.
In the Conclusions, the study finds that Greece, despite not possessing nuclear weapons, constitutes an active and reliable actor within NATO’s collective deterrence. Its strategy rests on a threefold direction: enhancing deterrence through conventional capabilities, deepening strategic partnerships, and assuming the role of balancer between deterrence and de-escalation. In this way, Greece is projected as a “security provider” in the Eastern Mediterranean, contributing to allied cohesion and the maintenance of regional stability.