Between Kinship and Calculus: A Comparative Study of Melian and Palestinian Expectations in Asymmetric Conflicts

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore the theme of abandoned allies in an asymmetrical war through comparing two cases charged with history, ideology and realpolitik – the Melians’ expectations of Spartan intervention against the Athenian imperial designs during the Peloponnesian War, and Palestinian aspirations of Turkish support in their war against Israel. Integrating realism and constructivism, the study reveals that the strategic necessity clashes with the ethnic and religious solidarity and general rules of morality, justice and divine favor. Therefore, the small nations and marginalized communities undergo political disappointment and humanitarian crisis. Thucydides’s account of Melian Dialogue and Palestinian expectations from Turkey against Israel demonstrate that ethnic, ideological and religious solidarity are subordinated to the strategic calculus. The results show that the moral appeals in the international relations are a weak case, and instruct the small nations and communities to broaden their support base instead of over-relying on a single power.