The Strategic Value of Aegean Islands and Today's NATO Policy
Abstract
This study examines the strategic value of Greek Aegean islands, and how they affect the defense of the Turkish Straits. It also examines the geographical, historical and political background of the Southern flank of NATO, and how the Aegean islands might form the basis of a NATO strategy in a future probable conventional war to defend against the Warsaw Pact (W.P.) threat. The study looks at the problems within the region between Turkey and Greece, and the consequences of those problems. Also, the paper looks at the possibility of Turkish neutrality in that future conventional war between western allies and Warsaw Pact Forces. In that case, could the Aegean islands replace the Turkish Straits as a barrier to prevent the Soviet Black Sea fleet from gaining control of the sea lines of communication in the eastern Mediterranean. The study concludes with a look at the potential NATO strategic profit from the exploitation of Aegean Greek islands, and how much it could increase its defense ability toward the W.P. threat. Keywords: Military geography; Geopolitics.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA202140
Entities
People
- Evangelos P. Georgoussis
Organizations
- Air War College