The Greek Current

Turkey has been expanding its diplomatic, economic, and security footprint in Africa over the past decade. A surge in arms sales is now raising alarms, as Turkish arms - primarily drones - end up in conflict zones and in the hands of unaccountable actors. William Doran, the co-author of the recent Foreign Policy Magazine piece “How Turkish Arms End Up In African Conflicts”, joins Thanos Davelis to break down why Ankara’s engagement on the continent is generating violence, not stability.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:How Turkish Arms End Up in African ConflictsMitsotakis meets new US ambassador, highlights energy and investment tiesUS-Greece strategic cooperation deepening

Turkey is eager to capitalize on its role in the Gaza ceasefire, and is now looking to have an active presence - even with troops on the ground - in a post-war Gaza. It seems President Trump also sees a role for Turkey here, something that is alarming Israel. Henri Barkey, an adjunct senior fellow for Middle East studies at the Council on Foreign Relations and the Cohen chair in international relations at Lehigh University, joins Thanos Davelis to take a closer look at this story, breaking down what it means for Washington and the region.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Trump sees central role for Turkey in Gaza peace, but Israel is crying foulGreece scrambles to secure farm fundsWater overuse has led Cyprus to shortages

An unlikely figure, Maria Karystianou, is at the heart of political speculation in Greece. Local media is filled with rumors that the mother of one of the victims of the deadly Tempe train crash and figurehead of a wave of protests that followed may enter politics, and polling shows she could draw in significant support. Nick Malkoutzis, the co-founder of Macropolis.gr, joins Thanos Davelis to look at this story, and break down what it tells us about the state of Greek politics today.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Greeks look to grieving mother in search for a political saviorKarystianou denies reports she is launching political partyUS Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle meets embassy staff in AthensNew US ambassador to meet GerapetritisMussels reveal growing microplastic pollution in Greece's prized seas

Last week we looked into the US quest for energy dominance and what it means for Greece. This week energy is back on the agenda, as Greece plays host to top energy officials from the US, Cyprus, and Israel. These meetings also mark the first official appearance of US Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle in Athens. Vassilis Nedos, Kathimerini’s diplomatic and defense editor, joins Thanos Davelis as we explore whether energy diplomacy can give the “3+1” partnership a new boost, and what it means for the bilateral relationship to have a new US ambassador in Athens.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Energy diplomacy brings 3+1 format back to lifePM: Greece and Egypt have safeguarded spiritual character of Sinai MonasteryKarystianou denies reports she is launching political party

A little over 2 years ago, the October 7th attack by Hamas shifted the world’s attention away from the newly announced India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, or IMEEC, a project Greece and Cyprus are also vying to play a key role in. With the Israel-Gaza ceasefire in place, is it now time to revive this project? Michael Rubin, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and director of policy analysis at the Middle East Forum, joins Thanos Davelis to break down why it’s time to refocus on IMEEC, and how Greece and Cyprus have the potential to be crucial lynchpins in this project.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:For India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor to succeed, Delhi must invest more in Greece and CyprusRiver diversions to end Attica drought riskMerz backs Turkey's EU bid despite strains over Gaza, rightsTurkey and Germany must focus on joint defence projects, Erdogan says

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer just called Turkey’s purchase of 20 Eurofighter jets - a deal that has gotten a lot of attention - a “landmark moment.” This move comes as Turkey looks to fill gaps in its aging air-force, and as Ankara attempts to make up ground with countries like Greece and Israel.  Ryan Gingeras, a professor in the Department of National Security Affairs at the Naval Postgraduate School and an expert on Turkish, Balkan, and Middle East history, joins Thanos Davelis as we break down what Turkey is actually getting in this deal, and what it means for the region.The views expressed by Professor Gingeras in this interview do not reflect the views of the US government.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:UK signs £8bn Typhoon fighter jet deal with TurkeyTurkey signs deal to buy 20 Eurofighters from Britain for 8 bln poundsWar memorial under 24-hour police guardSchools close and island life is under threat as Greece reckons with low birth rates

Energy has become a critical piece of the puzzle for the Trump administration as it looks to project strength abroad, and it seems Greece is on Washington’s radar. Richard Goldberg, a senior advisor at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and director of its newly established Energy and National Security Program, joins Thanos Davelis as we look at America’s quest for energy dominance and the potential for deeper cooperation on this front with Greece and other countries in the Eastern Mediterranean. 

As we’ve seen time and time again in the past, the Greek diaspora has always played a key role in standing with Greece in its time of need. World War II was no exception. As Greeks delivered their famous “Ohi” - or “NO” to the Axis powers on October 28th, 1940, Greek-Americans also stepped up to the plate. Professor Alexander Kitroeff, a historian and expert on the Greek diaspora, joins Thanos Davelis as we explore how Greek-Americans took action, and how “Ohi” became a turning point for the Greeks in the US.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Parades marking World War II campaign to close streets in Athens, ThessalonikiTurkey signs deal to buy 20 Eurofighters from Britain for 8 bln poundsUK signs £8bn Typhoon fighter jet deal with TurkeyBest year for Cyprus tourism ever

Last week President Trump hit Russia’s biggest oil producers - Rosneft and Lukoil - with sanctions, a move many see as a major shift from the Trump administration that puts it on the same page as Europe when it comes to pressuring Moscow. Laurence Norman, the European reporter for The Wall Street Journal, joins Thanos Davelis as we look at this shift from President Trump and break down what it means for Europe and the war in Ukraine.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:U.S. Oil Sanctions Strike at Russia’s Economic LifelineThree Years of War in Ukraine: Are Sanctions Against Russia Making a Difference?Burgum highlights Greece’s role in reducing Europe’s dependence on Russian gasPowering U.S. Energy Dominance with Secretary of the Interior Doug BurgumTurkey court orders arrest of Istanbul's jailed mayor for 'political espionage'

The British Museum has once again stirred controversy with its latest “Pink Ball” dinner gala taking place in the hall housing the Parthenon Sculptures, a move that has elicited strong reactions from both Greece, cultural heritage experts, and leading advocates for the return of the Parthenon Sculptures to Greece. Professor Paul Cartledge, the Vice chairman of the British Committee for the Reunification of the Parthenon Marbles and a renowned scholar of ancient Greek history, joins Thanos Davelis as we break down why the British Museum’s glitzy gala only adds to the reunification cause.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Greece criticizes British Museum dinner among Parthenon SculpturesBritish Museum glitzy gala ball, Janet Suzman agrees with Greece and suggests that the publicity adds to the reunification causeGreek leader pushes EU on joint defense debtGreece acts on housing crunch as shortages pile pressure on government