THE PERFECT STORM

It was with a heavy heart that I left NATO in January 2004 to assume my responsibilities as Greece’s Permanent Representative to the European Union. While I was honored to be chosen for yet another critical post in an institution whose decisions have an immediate and decisive impact on both Greek and European affairs, it was a bittersweet move. I was leaving behind a daily round of historic intensity that had practically become second nature. The four years I spent at NATO were among the most critical and definitive in its history, a turning point not only for the Alliance but also for the entire world. My colleagues and I lived through events that horrified and stunned the world, events that ushered in an era of new challenges, requiring us to reassess many of the things we took for granted. At the end of these four years, I was coming away having gained a unique perspective into history and international re-lations, having participated in the daily decision shaping, and making process, a demanding and laborious task with far-reach-ing implications for many countries and people.

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While you, the reader, may consider my views pessimistic, my more than 35 years in the diplomatic service have taught me that none of us can afford not to look truth and facts in the eye. It is the only path towards understanding the world and resolving its issues.

askarelis, a Greek diplomat and NATO representative during 2000-2004, draws on his firsthand experiences to outline how NATO adapted to the complex geopolitical shifts that emerged in response to the attacks. The book examines NATO’s operational challenges and redefined mission during a period marked by intense military and political transformation, particularly as the alliance grappled with new forms of global threats and transnational terrorism.

In his narrative, Kaskarelis discusses the profound impact of 9/11 on the international order and the challenges of navigating transatlantic relations, particularly with the U.S., as NATO’s focus expanded beyond European boundaries to global counter-terrorism initiatives. He emphasizes the significance of this period in reshaping NATO’s policies and strategic objectives, fostering a broader understanding of global security and the shifting dynamics of international relations.

The book has been well-received for its unique diplomatic perspective and insight into NATO’s inner workings during one of its most defining eras. This resource is valuable for those interested in international relations, security studies, and modern diplomatic history

Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABBREVIATIONS

PREFACE

CHAPTER ONE 

NATO – Historical, Structural and Operational Facts

CHAPTER TWO

The Western Balkans 

Kosovo 

Bosnia‐Herzegovina

The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (fYROM) 

Albania 

Serbia

CHAPTER THREE 

The Beginning of the Perfect Storm

Terrorist Attacks of September 11, 2001

First steps towards restoring NATO‐Russia relations

Changes in the International Political‐Diplomatic Arena

NATO out of area 

Operation Active Endeavor

The Greatest Shifts in International Affairs since World War II

CHAPTER FOUR

The Culmination and Countdown in NATO‐Russia Relations

CHAPTER FIVE

Afghanistan – Drugs – ISAF

CHAPTER SIX

The Perfect Storm and the Day After

Earthshaking Changes in Washington

Prelude to the Invasion of Iraq

The Invasion

The Devastating Day After

CHAPTER SEVEN

European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP)

CHAPTER EIGHT

Greek‐Turkish Relations within the NATO Framework

A Changed Atmosphere within the Alliance

Operational Confidence Building Measures (CBMs)

between Greece and Turkey

CHAPTER NINE

NATO Enlargement – Prague Summit

CHAPTER TEN

Succession of NATO Secretary General

EPILOGUE