The 2023 Turkish Earthquake : A Case Study of Disaster Diplomacy between Greece and Türkiye

Abstract: Disputes and confrontational rhetoric have characterized Greek-Turkish relations in recent years. In February 2023 a high magnitude earthquake hit Türkiye  with devastating consequences. Greece’s response was immediate and substantial despite the political enmity between the two countries, which revealed a willingness to cooperate in times of crisis. This cooperation was in fact expedited by the disaster which is why it accounts for a disaster diplomacy case.   This paper aims to test the theoretical proposition that disaster-related activities “have the possibility of catalyzing diplomatic action” (Kelman, 2012:14). This case study examines the dynamics of the two countries on three different levels before the earthquake and the ways in which disaster diplomacy has catalyzed their relations. By building on Kenneth Waltz’s well-established, three-images framework of analysis (1959), both countries have been investigated concerning their decision makers, the internal structure of the two states, as well as their international presence.   By analyzing the three images of Greece and Türkiye  it is evident that the earthquake has in fact stimulated the relations of the two countries in all three levels. The sense of urgency generated by the earthquake has created a window of opportunity for dialogue. The confrontational so far situation was abruptly disturbed by the disaster and an immediate shift in sentiment can be observed. While the findings of this research confirm the theoretical proposition that disaster diplomacy can indeed act as a catalyst for cooperation between the two countries, it also acknowledges the need for further exploration to assess the long-term potential of disaster diplomacy as a conflict resolution tool.