Greece and Turkey are considered a classic case of "rival duo". However, there have also been smooth relations between the two countries (1930-1939, 1945-1953, 1999-present). The most recent recession - and not a real rapprochement - remains uncertain, due to the unsolved Cyprus issue and the Aegean dispute. The Aegean dispute has been threatening peace and security in the region for 35 years, it is a source of crises and entails significant costs for both countries.

This study examines the Aegean dispute on three levels: Greek-Turkish relations focusing on the Aegean dispute, from 1973 to the present; the legal dimension of the dispute; and the socio-psychological aspect, which lies at the heart of Greek-Turkish hostility (national narrative and identity, mutual demonization). The main goal of the book is to answer the question of why the Aegean dispute remains unsolved for so many years and to substantiate a jointly peaceful resolution.

The differences in the Aegean are not irreconcilable; they are subject to rational, mutually beneficial solutions, without unbearable concessions. In addition, the governments of the two countries have repeatedly stated that they have no expansionist aspirations in the Aegean or elsewhere. However, Athens and Ankara are convinced that vital national interests and national sovereignty are at stake in the Aegean. The heart of the dispute is the uncertainty about the intentions of the other: on the one hand, the fear of an emerging Turkish "neo-Ottomanism" that wants to control the Aegean and Cyprus; and on the other hand, the fear of turning the Aegean into a "Greek lake", which is perceived, along with Cyprus (yesterday Union, today indirect union through the EU), as a revival of the Great Idea.