Russia sees the people of the Balkans as “South Slavs.” The current pan- slavic ideology of the Russian state sees the people of the Balkans as their lost brothers and sisters, who fight among themselves because Mother Russia isn’t there to educate and upliſt the warring siblings.
Greek commitment to NATO
Greece borders nations in the Balkans which saw more warfare in the 20th century than any other part of Europe. Greece is one of the very few NATO members which actually meets its military treaty obligations. The Greek military, including reservists, is larger than Germany’s forces.
While some people may think the country’s military investment is because of some rivalry with Turkey, this is absolutely false. Both are NATO members, and cooperate on military maters. One need only consider Kosovo or Bosnia to know why Greece’s security requires such a significant investment. It is Greece’s border with the least stable part of Europe which creates their need for a significant military. Greece is obligated by geography to make a greater public investment in European security than anyone else. Punishing them for doing their part is profoundly stupid.
And, there are even larger European strategic interests at risk here. The Greeks have been speaking rather a lot with Russia.
One need only consider Kosovo or Bosnia to know why Greece’s security requires such a significant investment. It is Greece’s border with the least stable part of Europe which creates their need for a significant military.
Russia has more than proved its willingness to hand heavy weaponry to rebels in Ukraine, including Buk SAM launchers capable of taking down airliners. It is entirely possible that Russia, in service to Pan-Slavic ideology, could hand similar heavy weapons to Balkan militias, leading to destabilisation of the entire region. The Russians have been seeking a new Mediterranean military base outside of Syria, where the region’s destabilisation has created significant problems. An Aegean naval base is highly desirable for Russia, and would give them direct access to the Balkans.
If Greek economic salvation comes from Russia, which has already invited Greece to join the new BRICS banking system, the cost will almost certainly be a Russian base on the Aegean. The most disastrous result of this could be a highway for Russian heavy weaponry into the Balkans, and ultimately into the rest of Europe.
Juncker’s absolute naivete on questions of European security and strategic interests are being completely ignored. The prevailing narrative in Europe gives no thought to the direct connection between military and economic security. This is because the bankers are running things, and bankers have never had any kind of strategic vision.
Russian overtures August 2015 35
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