Realpolitik and the 'Wild West' in International Relations

G.Ch. Papageorgiou analyzes the questioning of international rules and the rise of realpolitik, following the US intervention in Venezuela. He points out the reactions and the impact on small countries like Greece.

The US intervention in Venezuela to arrest Nicolás Maduro and his wife is changing the balance in international relations. Reactions invoke respect for international legality, questioning the rules built over the past 75 years.

China responded that it would defend its interests in Venezuela through legal means. Rules often reflect power relations, as seen in the case of Cyprus, which has been violating the Law for 50 years.

The return to 'gunboat diplomacy' is particularly worrying for small countries like Greece. The strategic value of the EU is fundamental, despite its imperfections. The EU is based on the rule of law, and without it, it risks dissolving.

The EU and Greece sided with the US, adopting realpolitik, which subordinates any other priority to national interest. However, interests change. Europe sees the US as a defense partner and equipment supplier. But what about the case of Greenland, which the US 'needs'?

The connection with US interests through the Vertical Energy Corridor is a guarantee for Greece in the Southeastern Mediterranean. But what if these issues are negotiated with the Arctic, Ukraine, the Middle East, or Taiwan?

The management of national interests cannot be subordinated to the abolition of international legality. In the long term, Greece and Europe will lose from such a development. Because Realpolitik is one thing, and the Wild West is another.