Abstract

Greece’s exposed strategic position in the Balkans and its strained relations with its Western allies due to the Cyprus dispute make this country an interesting case study of small states position in the Cold War. This article discusses the motives and perceptions that shaped the country’s stance vis-à-vis the Soviet Union in view of the Hungarian crisis and examines how it dealt with the dangers and opportunities that emerged. Motivated by pragmatism and a will to adopt a more ‘independent’ stance in foreign affairs, the Greek policymakers tried to reshape relations with the Soviets, but the historical experience and the perceived Soviet internal and external threat had already set the limits. Additionally, they attempted to take advantage of the twin crises in order to promote the Greek cause in Cyprus, but the country was subject to ‘multiple dependencies’ and faced dilemmas that stemmed from the conflict between national and Atlantic priorities. Cold War considerations were also important. The country’s inability to understand and respond to international pressures was partially counterbalanced by its participation in the Western Alliance. However, the most lasting consequence of the crisis for Greece was on the regional level. The Greek-Yugoslav rapprochement aimed at redressing the unfavourable strategic balance in the Balkans and ameliorate Greece’s perennial security problem.

摘要

希腊在巴尔干地区暴露的战略地位，以及由于塞浦路斯争端而与西方盟国的关系紧张，使得该国成为冷战中小国地位的有趣案例研究。本文讨论了鉴于匈牙利危机而形成的对该国相对于苏联的立场的动机和看法，并探讨了其如何应对出现的危险和机遇。出于实用主义的动机以及在外交事务中采取更“独立”立场的意愿，希腊决策者试图重塑与苏维埃的关系，但是历史经验和苏维埃内部和外部的威胁已经设定了极限。此外，他们试图利用双重危机来促进希腊在塞浦路斯的事业，但是该国面临“多重依赖”，并面临着因国家和大西洋优先事项之间的冲突而产生的困境。冷战考虑也很重要。该国无法理解和应对国际压力，部分原因是它参加了西方联盟。但是，这场危机对希腊的最持久后果是在区域一级。希腊与南斯拉夫的和解旨在纠正巴尔干地区不利的战略平衡，并缓解希腊长期存在的安全问题。该国无法理解和应对国际压力，部分原因是它参加了西方联盟。但是，这场危机对希腊的最持久后果是在区域一级。希腊与南斯拉夫的和解旨在纠正巴尔干地区不利的战略平衡，并缓解希腊长期存在的安全问题。该国无法理解和应对国际压力，部分原因是它参加了西方联盟。但是，这场危机对希腊的最持久后果是在区域一级。希腊与南斯拉夫的和解旨在纠正巴尔干地区不利的战略平衡，并缓解希腊长期存在的安全问题。