From London to Bucharest: the military pedagogy of sovereignty through Greek diplomacy and the rise of the Greek army (1864–1913)

This study examines the conditions that shaped the territorial and political development of Greece from the Treaty of London (1864) to the Treaty of Bucharest (1913), with an emphasis on the interplay between military strategy and diplomacy. Framed within the concept of pedagogy, the manuscript underscores how the Greek experience provides transferable lessons in statecraft and sovereignty. Each treaty is analyzed as a milestone in Greece's pursuit of national ambitions, highlighting the country's ability to navigate great power politics, leverage military preparedness, and adapt to evolving geopolitical contexts. Key themes include the role of military training in achieving diplomatic success, the strategic alignment of alliances, and the readjustment of objectives following setbacks. This approach positions Greece as a case study in balancing ambition with pragmatism, offering valuable insights for nations striving to establish sovereignty and influence the international order. The findings contribute to broader discussions on diplomacy, military strategy, and the art of state-building.