Why Greece Can Be a Powerful Ally

Its popular, pragmatic prime minister offers welcome political stability and ideals that align with promoting democracy.

By and
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This summer, Americans are flocking to Greece. President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken should take the hint and consider making a trip of their own. It would be as good for America as it would be for Greece. Two centuries after Greece declared its independence from Ottoman rule—inspired by the American revolution—the United States could not find a better partner in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and renewing democracy across the globe. 

The surge of American tourists has its roots in successful policies that both countries have pursued, proving government can actually get things done—a key element in beating back the wave of populism that has washed over Western and global politics. America’s fast and effective rollout of COVID vaccines propelled it ahead of Europe, both in the number and pace of vaccinations. The Greek government saw this coming, and targeted the lucrative U.S. market. Greece established the safest protocols possible for tourism—including requiring proof of vaccination for all foreign tourists, and mandatory masks inside hotels and restaurants. “We branded Greece as a safe destination and we said we would open on 14 May,” Greek Tourism Minister Haris Theoharis told the Observer recently. “We didn’t change dates. It was unequivocal. The message was clear.”

Greece convinced the airlines to add direct flights from major hub cities such as Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, and Washington to accommodate the rush. And it is paying off. While Europe still lags in tourists to Greece in the early season, the Americans are helping make up the difference. “Without the Americans, we would be very far behind,” Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis told one of us last week. “With them, we are optimistic about the summer.”

The surge of tourism is more than a metaphor. Tourism counts for about one-fifth of Greek GDP, and less than a quarter of the normal visitors showed up last summer: only 7 million tourists, down from 2019’s 33 million. The fall-off of about 14 billion euros was the biggest driver of Greece’s 8.2 percent recession in 2020. The hope for 2021 is to get back to half of the 2019 levels.

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  1. Avatar photo
    Rajeev

    He obviously did well during the pandemic; however, his party definitely contributed in a major way to the debt crisis (2011-2015). Greece would've been permanently crippled back then if it weren't for bailouts. The austerity measures seemed to have been enacted because of his party's mismanagement when it was in control 2004-2009. I'm no expert on the crisis but I remember it was the face of debt crisis globally back in 2011 (Cyprus was worse relatively but it was minuscule comparatively). Similar to when Obama had to deal with a debt crisis and crashing economy from his predecessor upon taking office in 2008.

    I hope he continues to do well and avoids the populist streak in the region. He does seem very competent.

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    Kyle Funk

    Great piece. Love foreign policy arguments that most journalists aren't writing about. Please have more of them.

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  3. Peter Alger

    I do not agree with this article. Modern Greece can, of course, be a friend and ally. However, with a small population (10.7 million), relatively small (and very heavily tourist dependent) economy (51st worldwide), it seems unrealistic for Greece to be a 'powerful' ally in the region.

    Instead, since 1952, US foreign policy has tended to court Turkey more than Greece due to its large and important location in the world. Turkey has over nearly eight times the population of Greece (83.6 million), a larger economy (though paid for with large amounts of debt), and the second largest military in NATO.

    While Turkey is by no means a perfect partner, we need to recognize that Turkey will play an important and ongoing roll in the region. For some examples, Incirlik Air Base in Turkey has been the launching point for US air operations over Syria and Iraq. In addition, we can recognize that Turkey controls the Bosporus straights. In the case of war with Russia, the Russian Navy could be blocked there.

    To conclude, I believe that the US should form mutually beneficial alliances with all nations that are thus inclined. However, when it comes to 'powerful allies' we need to be realistic regarding Greece's limitations.

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    1. CatoTheElder

      May I suggest perusing a map? Geography is at least as important as population. And there’s little doubt that Erdogan’s reliability might come into question in a time of crisis.

      Greece’s position near the eastern end of the Mediterranean doesn’t completely throttle the opening into the Black Sea, but it’s certainly got a front row seat for whatever comes out of the Bosporous. And Crete’s position—along with a large US Navy presence—makes it all even more interesting. Both also give alternates to Incirlik, though without as much proximity to some potential trouble spots. Then again, one could argue that Incirlik, being in Turkey, is a little TOO close to trouble.

      None of this should cause us to look upon Greece as the Colossus of the region, nor the answer to whatever our prayers for the area might be. But there are good reasons to cultivate good relations with Greece nonetheless—and if it can be in done in good spirit, with mutual interests at the heart of things, it can be a very powerful, valuable part of our foreign affairs.

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      1. Peter Alger

        Very prudent and true. I like the idea of closer cooperation with Greece. I do not want to make this into the classic 'Turkey vs Greece' debate. Let's have beneficial relationships with both.
        The reason why I like the idea of pursuing Turkey more than Greece is because, regarding the points in your second paragraph, Turkey can do all these things but even more effectively than Greece. For example, to fly a air mission over Iraq from Crete, you must first fly 400 extra miles and avoid Russian controlled Syrian airspace. To the north west, Incirlik allows far faster response times and longer patrols based on fuel limitations.

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    2. Avatar photo
      CP

      Thanks for highlighting some good opposing arguments to this article. Always helpful. I imagine that part of what appealed to me about the article is the symbolism of a closer US-Greece alliance in the midst of a world increasingly cynical about democracy (not to mention Western philosophy and culture in general). Thankfully, I'm not crafting public policy (but thanks to some long-dead Greeks, I do have a say).

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      1. Peter Alger

        Thanks! Also glad to not be crafting public policy!!
        Actually I think you've hit upon a very important point regarding where this article comes from. I believe that most Americans have a sentimental and unreal perspective regarding Greece. We tend to imagine the birthplace of democracy, a land of philosophers and olive trees. All of this is true, yet I feel people do not see Greece in its modern context as a small southern Balkan country that has struggles greatly economically. I'm glad things are going well for Greece and I am glad we are improving ties, but we also need to look at their place realistically.

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          CP

          Absolutely right. At the same time, symbols do matter and can remind us of who WE are (or should be). Also, I’m happy to have a good relationship with any country that wants one with us.

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    3. Avatar photo
      CVS

      Turkey will play an "important" role in the region for sure.

      But believing that to be a pro-American, pro-Western, or even pro-anyone-but-Erdogan and his Islamist allies role, after the past decade, is delusional. All signs point to Erdogan doubling down on authoritarianism, theocracy, and fire stoking.

      I can't think of a single thing of any real significance he's done in the past decade to support America's interests, properly understood, and I could bring out a laundry list of things he's done the opposite. And he does more every day.

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      1. Peter Alger

        Erdogan and the AKP do indeed have a populist, nationalist, 'Turkey first' policy. However, I believe Turkey and the US have much to be gained by working together. I believe US leadership should seek to encourage Turkey to work with us for our benefit and theirs.
        To reiterate, the US has less to gain from prioritizing partnership with Greece than this article seems to indicate.

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    4. Avatar photo
      CVS

      Turkey will play an "important" role in the region for sure.

      But believing that to be a pro-American, pro-Western, or even pro-anyone-but-Erdogan and his Islamist allies role, after the past decade, is delusional. All signs point to Erdogan doubling down on authoritarianism, theocracy, and fire stoking.

      I can't think of a single thing of any real significance he's done in the past decade to support America's interests, properly understood, and I could bring out a laundry list of things he's done the opposite. And he does more every day.

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    Kevin Johnson

    Wow, good news AND the chance for bipartisan or nonpartisan support for something positive in U.S. interests! Great piece and concrete suggestions for our leaders to heed! Great stuff.

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  5. Avatar photo
    Chris L

    Hopefully Greece's post-SYRIZA life will have sustainable prosperity, and then be an instructive lesson for other countries trying to navigate their own eras of post-authoritarianism.

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