"Visions and Chimeras - Paths of a Diplomat" is the new book by Alexandros Mallias that has just been released by I. Sideris Publications. Three years ago, his book titled "The Other Crisis - The Testimony of an Ambassador" was published by Infognomon Publications.

The book is introduced by Professor Nikos K. Alivizatos, who notes the following:
"[...] So here is the first characteristic of this book: the unity it presents, unity of style and substance, which runs through its pages, even though the author, from chapter to chapter, changes roles: from a student at the then newly established Department of Economic Sciences at the University of Athens, to a young diplomat, from a political candidate (in the second and most enjoyable chapter in my opinion), to a "wise man" who expresses his views on all major issues of our foreign policy, and then to a diplomat on special missions [...]"

The book is not only addressed to experts in foreign policy and international relations. It is easy to read, almost like a newspaper. The language is simple. The author avoids elaborate and difficult expressions. He connects his personal experiences from his long service in key positions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with current developments. The Balkans and the conflict of interests among the Permanent Members of the Security Council from the Ukraine front to the Persian Gulf and North Africa are at the center of the author's analysis. He criticizes the deviation of the role of the "Five" (USA, France, United Kingdom, Russian Federation, People's Republic of China) from the role entrusted to them by the UN Charter.

With penetrative insight, he presents a series of elements that demonstrate the gap between the declared policies of the European Union, the USA, and the Russian Federation, and their destructive consequences in Libya, Iraq, and Syria. "We created chaos and we deliver chaos," he writes characteristically. The Diary of Libya (1982-1984), where he served as Greece's envoy, is vivid and lively.

The author puts forward specific proposals for shaping the Next Day in the Middle East and North Africa. He argues that the time has come to activate the Chapter on the Mediterranean of the Helsinki Final Act. The Security of Europe is closely linked to security in the Mediterranean. He also proposes the creation of a Regional Security System from Iran to the Mediterranean, involving all countries in the region, and the guarantee of the European Union and the Permanent Members of the Security Council.

Alexandros Mallias, former ambassador of Greece to Tirana, insists on the need for the reevaluation and redefinition of our relations with Albania and the Albanian Factor. He proposes a Roadmap for resolving the real problems between Athens and Tirana. He explains why cooperation among the political world is the foundation for addressing and resolving our open issues with Albania.

The author repeatedly focuses on the concept of National Interest, the need and significance of defining long-term goals in National Security Policy. Tactical moves and maneuvers must be based on knowledge and continuity.

Personal opinions should be based on knowledge.

With emphasis, it suggests the establishment of a National Security Council, preferably under the Prime Minister, with the rightful participation of political leaders.

It believes that the political class should responsibly inform the public opinion. As a characteristic example, it analyzes the relations between Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, having himself dealt with this national issue for over 15 years from positions of responsibility.

By conveying his impressions from his visits to Turkey and Cyprus, the author makes a comprehensive assessment of the parameters concerning the so-called Cyprus solution.

From the first to the last page, the author insists on the importance of cooperation and coordination among our political leaders to defend our National Interests and to exit the conditions of economic crisis and dependence. It notes that the counterbalance and antidote to the real weakness of our country is the strengthening of political cohesion. As a means of power and prevention.

Finally, the book includes references to the internal political scene. With humor, self-mockery, and sympathy at the same time, "The Ambassador who didn't want to become... a politician" describes his own fifteen-month journey in politics, learning how to swim... in the RIVER.