Rebuilding Regional Security in the Balkans on the Brink of World War II: The Example of the Salonika Agreement

In the early 1930s, rapid armament within the international system, rising mistrust towards the League of Nations, and the swift spread of revisionism in Europe triggered major security concerns for newly independent Balkan states. While smaller countries sought cooperation to protect treaty defined borders, those with limited armament or demilitarised zones began to feel increasingly vulnerable. In this context, Balkan and Eastern Mediterranean states aimed to align themselves within the emerging divide between revisionist powers and defenders of the <em>status quo</em>. This study examines the efforts of Türkiye and Greece, both alarmed by growing revisionist polarisation in the region, to maintain territorial integrity and ensure national security. Importantly, both nations positioned themselves within the status quo bloc. Although their motivations differed, Türkiye and Greece made a rational decision to pursue cooperation and solidarity in safeguarding their national interests. This period, marked as a unique “rapprochement phase” in bilateral relations, witnessed an exceptional level of diplomatic and military collaboration that transcended historical hostilities. The study will examine the political strategies employed by Türkiye and Greece to achieve national security and assess the impact of the 1938 Salonika Agreement on the stability of both countries and the broader Balkan region.