The Macedonian issue erupted like a "thunderbolt out of the blue" in the winter of 1991-92, raising memories from dark times. Although it had been, from a popular perspective, dormant for thirty years, it "exploded" following the independence of North Macedonia.
In this book, George Kalpadakis, exploring a long period of time, examines how the Macedonian issue transformed into a major national problem, specifically how we transitioned from the secret Greek-Yugoslav agreement of 1962 to the protests over the name of the newly established state three decades later.
Focusing on the actions of Greek state and non-state actors, he shows why, in 1992, almost the entire Greek society overturned fundamental assumptions of the diplomatic line up to that point, which would not be restored for another fifteen years.
"This sharp study is a must-read for anyone wishing to understand not only the Macedonian issue but also the behind-the-scenes activities of the post-war period. It provides us with the necessary keys to follow the modern twists of a pseudo-issue that, although real, still creates side effects in Greek foreign policy as well as in our broader Balkan environment." (Kostis I. Ailianós, former ambassador, director of Balkan Affairs, 1991-1993, former general secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
"With an empirically founded, structured and clear approach, George Kalpadakis offers us a comprehensive picture of the course of the Macedonian problem, while showing how the failure of post-war governments to explain the essence of the issue to Greek citizens, combined with subsequent populist mobilizations, led to today's deadlock." (Nikos Mouzelis, emeritus professor of Sociology, London School of Economics and Political Science - LSE)
