Filis speaks in Komotini: “Türkiye is a strong country”

The Northern Rhodope Reserve Officers Association hosted an event on Friday, May 16, titled “Turkish-Greek Relations Under the Trump Constellation.” The discussion took place at the Komotini Residents Club and featured Professor Konstantinos Filis, Director of the Institute of International Relations and academic at the American College of Greece.

“America Is No Longer a Guarantee”
Opening his remarks, Filis thanked the organizers and reflected on global power shifts:

“President Donald Trump believes the current world order is not in America’s interests. Its competitors have grown stronger, and no allied nation today feels fully secure under American leadership. Trump’s doctrine is that America must remain strong within a complex global system.”

He noted that since 2008, the U.S. has pivoted toward Asia, though this strategy has thus far failed and may continue to falter. Successful policy, he argued, requires both legislation and regional cooperation. “Let’s be realistic—international law is lagging behind. Just look at Ukraine,” he said.

“Türkiye is a Strong Country”
Filis emphasized that regional powers are asserting themselves, mentioning Russia, Iran, South Africa, and particularly Türkiye.

“Türkiye is very strong today. It sits at many diplomatic tables with a firm and consistent stance. We are different from Türkiye—demographically, religiously, economically—but still strong. For Türkiye, going to war is not an issue. That’s the reality.”

Filis noted that Türkiye can be both a source of problems and part of their solution, depending on how it acts in international affairs. “Whether we like it or not, Türkiye both creates and resolves crises,” he said.

He highlighted Türkiye’s growing self-confidence and stated, “Greece and Turkey can strengthen or weaken in parallel. There are even Erdoğan admirers in Greece. While Erdoğan’s foreign policy includes both right and wrong steps, I believe Greece has many advantages—if it uses them wisely. Diplomacy must be done right.”

“The U.S. Must Recognize Greece’s Value”
Filis stressed that Greece must make its case to the United States, especially to President Trump, about its strategic importance in the region. He expressed hope that “Trump will listen,” adding that Greece must promote its role in peace and development, particularly by offering economic and energy plans to the U.S.

“With the right policies, Greece can become a powerful country in the region and protect its rights,” Filis stated.

Greece, NATO, and the Turkish Factor
During the final part of the event, Filis engaged in an open discussion with attendees, evaluating the positions of Turkey and Greece within Europe and NATO.

He acknowledged that Russia maintains positive relations with Türkiye, as reflected in its muted response to Hagia Sophia’s conversion into a mosque. Filis also noted growing international engagement with Türkiye:

• Italy has signed a defense agreement with Ankara.
• Spain has purchased trainer aircraft from Türkiye.
• A generally positive climate surrounds Türkiye internationally.

“Türkiye is important for Europe’s security,” he said.

“Türkiye Has a Larger and Younger Population Than Us”
Filis was critical of missed diplomatic opportunities:

“In 2003, there was a chance to resolve problems with Türkiye—it didn’t move forward. Again in 2011 and 2017. Time is not on our side.”

He remarked that Greece has fallen behind in the Balkans and must step up its foreign policy efforts. While Turkey has 12 million students and a younger population, Filis insisted that Greece can still stand strong—if it is active rather than passive.

“Turkey Knows How to Wage War—Sadly, That’s the Truth”
Filis concluded with a stark comparison:

“If a war broke out in Africa and Greece sent a soldier who died, the government would collapse. But if Turkey sent 1,000 soldiers and 100 died, Erdoğan would attend all 100 funerals. When NATO needs troops, the Turks are always the first to volunteer. I’m sad to say it, but Turkey is a country that knows how to wage war. That’s the reality.”