“Why Did It Take So Long?” Exploring Greek Public Opinion as an Obstacle to the Settlement of the Macedonia Name Dispute

Abstract The Macedonia name dispute was resolved in 2018 with the signing of Prespa Agreement. Ambassador Nimetz – one key players solution efforts queried recently “Why did it take us so long?”, echoing confusion foreign observers about what has routinely been seen as an incomprehensible spat. This article provides more context past intractability by focusing on role Greek public opinion. Taking stock literature relationship between policy-making and opinion, our analysis identifies parameters for investigating influence opinion policy. We test these against empirical data from a comprehensive poll that conducted 2016, only few months before start negotiations led to Our demonstrates extent depth public’s opposition any compromise, well emotional involvement dispute. findings have implications understanding process settlement challenges implementing agreement.