The name dispute between Macedonia and Greece emerged in 1991, immediately
after the dissolution of the former Yugoslavia, when Macedonia declared its
independence. Since then, Macedonia and Greece negotiate under the auspices of the
United Nations mediation trying to achieve a “mutually acceptable solution.” The
resolution of the issue is highly uncertain and questionable.
The name issue is a unique problem in the history of international relations. This
issue concerns foreign policy, history, ethics, security, and economy. The historic
background which goes back more than 2000 years, further contributes to the complexity
of the problem.
Usually international disputes occur over more “traditional” conflicts that involve
such matters as borders, land, human rights, or religion. In this case one country insists
on a change of the name of the other country, which is virtual rather than material
demand. While the problem is virtual, the consequences are real. Recent developments,
especially after the NATO Summit in Bucharest in April 2008 where Greece blocked
Macedonian accession into Alliance, increased negative sentiments threatening to destroy
what has been achieved in building good neighborly relations for more than a decade.
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The first chapter introduces the problem and explains how it occurred. Chapter
two discusses the historic background of the dispute focusing on three periods: ancient
history and the period of Philip II and his son Alexander the Great; recent world and
regional history; and a discussion of the historic facts of the dispute. The third chapter
explores the security aspect of the name issue and its implications on bilateral relations
between Macedonia and Greece as well as on the regional stability. Chapter four
envisages the possibility for resolution of the dispute and points to the necessity of
solution as soon as possible.
The discussed issue is summarized in the Conclusion. The evidences presented in
this paper shows the complexity of the problem for which there is not a simple solution
and that international mediation in the efforts for resolution of this issue is essential. This
chapter also envisages consequences and possible developments related to the name
dispute.