A conception of sovereignty also implies a conception of international law, of the International Court of Justice, of the International Criminal Court, of the United Nations and the Security Council. Let these factual situations remain, this view holds, until the other side restores compliance with international law under pressure from the international balance of forces. MisunderstandingsThe misunderstanding originates from the widespread belief, first, that the other side does not invoke international law and does not declare its respect for it; second, that the international community as a whole – despite the colossal conflicts and internal realignments it is undergoing – accepts as indisputably valid international law what we perceive as international law; and third, that our own national priorities are always internationally important and overriding, notwithstanding so many open fronts, novel developments, and the overturning of what had been taken for granted. A conception of sovereignty also implies a conception of international law, of the International Court of Justice, of the International Criminal Court, of the United Nations and the Security Council. To the question, therefore, whether Greek foreign policy can combine Realpolitik and respect for international law, my answer would be that Greek foreign policy must primarily possess historical consciousness, which includes historical geography.

Source: International New York Times January 12, 2026 15:14 UTC