When Greece and Turkey joined NATO in 1952, it is fair to say that two of the most pressing issues of the day were the economy and foreign policy. Economy because the US Marshall Plan was in place trying to help a decimated Europe get back on its economic feet. Foreign policy because the Truman containment policy was directed at ensuring that countries like Turkey and Greece were on the right side of the Iron Curtain.
Fast forward 60 years and the same two issues of economy and foreign policy are at the fore.
When Greece and Turkey joined NATO in 1952, it is fair to say that two of the most pressing issues of the day were the economy and foreign policy. Economy because the US Marshall Plan was in place trying to help a decimated Europe get back on its economic feet. Foreign policy because the Truman containment policy was directed at ensuring that countries like Turkey and Greece were on the right side of the Iron Curtain.
Fast forward 60 years and the same two issues of economy and foreign policy are at the fore. This time, the symbolic epicentre of Europe's economic meltdown is Greece. And a new centre of foreign policy power in Mediterranean and Middle East politics is Turkey.
Both of these developments have impacted directly on security. In Greece, defence cuts have already been targeted as part of the country's austerity measures. And in Turkey, the country has increasingly positioned itself as a model for the Arab countries striving towards democracy.
In this edition of NATO Review, we ask how Greeks and Turks see NATO in their development, past and future. We talk to people from the countries about what this means.
We've asked them questions like: How is NATO seen in the public in the two countries? What influence did being members have on the countries' relationship with each other?
And we got the opinions of a range of people. From Greek students to Turkish journalists. From Greek Generals to Turkish Defence Ministers.
I must confess that my favourite interviewee was Vice-Admiral Mitsakos. He was a young officer in 1952 when Greece joined NATO. And when he talked about those days, he painted a vivid picture. He features in the video 'Greece: what 60 years of NATO means'. I recommend it - his final words tell a story on their own.
Before finishing, I must also mention the work of some of my colleagues, who have been working on product called Turkey: 60 years in NATO. It contains some more information on the country's association with NATO, through videos, interviews and webstories.
Paul King
