“Military Museums And Military Tourism In Greece. A Preliminary Geopolitical Approach”

This article initially, examines qualitatively the recent developed project of Greek Military Tourism, in the context of a relevant memorandum of cooperation, signed at Athens in 2021. Then it studies the proposed network of war museums and monuments in Greece. Afterwards it observes whether the design and implementation of the above mentioned project, beyond its developmental and cultural characteristics, can maintain sufficient geopolitical dynamics, in favor of Greece in the Balkan complex. Introduction: Background: According to four informative maps (png files, scale 1: 100.000) of the Greek territory, uploaded at the official website of the War Museum of Athens, in early 2024, a network of museums, monuments, natural sites and military cemeteries, is shaped. The strong interest and will by the half of the Greek state, to organize and develop the special form of Military Tourism in Greece is evident. Method: The article attempts a preliminary geopolitical assessment, through Systemic Geopolitical Analysis, regarding the potential qualitative contribution of Military Tourism to the pillars of Greece's geopolitical power. The research area focuses on the Greek regions that are under pressure from neighboring state actors on the northern borders on issues regarding economy, minorities, cultural heritage, etc. Conclusion: War museums concern the stories of peoples who paid a high price for the freedom and sovereignty of their homeland. They preserve the historical memory and forge national unity by connecting the past with the present and future of a place. Since their management is state-owned, a coordinated and scientific approach is required in order these museums, and subsequently Military Tourism, to become fields of action for the amplification of Greece, on multiple levels