The Kantian Peace and Greek-turkish relations

Abstract

This thesis applies the principles of Immanuel Kant's Perpetual Peace to a study of the historical relations between Greece and Turkey. According to Kant, three principal elements - democracy; economic interdependence; and international organizations and international law - interact to promote peaceful relations among states. This thesis analyzes these three elements in respect to the relationship between Greece and Turkey throughout history. The thesis concludes that Kant' three elements have been influential in Greek-Turkish relations. Historically, the two states' interdependence has, in general, had a positive effect. But it is the conjunction of the three elements as evidenced mostly through the European Union that suggests the most peaceful future for the two states.