This extremely timely book records unknown aspects of the serious issues arising from Greece's diminished credibility and damaged prestige in Europe, the Balkans, and the Eastern Mediterranean.

The widely recognized and distinguished Greek diplomat of the past decades in the Balkans engages in an unusual act of self-criticism and assumption of responsibility for Greece's current situation. With frankness, honesty, and without embellishments, he analyzes Greece in decline within a Europe shaken by chain crises. A Europe that is primarily concerned with the value of the euro, ignoring the values of humanism.

He details the relationships and discussions between Athens and Skopje. He emphasizes the importance of the Albanian factor in the Balkans and proposes specific solutions for a comprehensive resolution of all pending issues. What should be done about Kosovo? What is the role of Serbia? What are the goals of Turkey's policy?

Particularly relevant are the revelations concerning the issue of the name of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Why did the recognition by Washington in November 2004 of the constitutional name of the FYROM undermine Greek interests? What are Skopje's positions on the name? What is the Greek strategy? Is it possible to find a mutually acceptable solution?

The author analyzes the reasons that led Greece to a diplomatic defeat at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. He highlights what was done and what was not done. Was defeat inevitable?
The beginning of the "Arab Spring" and the end of the awkward stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. Greece and Israel. The absence of the European Union.

The other crisis: it is simultaneously the crisis of Greece's image, but also another heretical crisis of an ambassador who serves his homeland with faith, passion, and self-sacrifice. He assumes and continues to assume the part of responsibility that belongs to him. He is saddened to leave his children a Greece different from the one he envisioned.