The intent of this short essay is to reveal the consistence in the international political relations, affairs and participants. Despite all efforts for unity on the European continent in a political, economical and even cultural sense, we consider that in the future, the states and the nations will remain the only subjects which will moderate the political processes. Our hypothesis is aiming towards the realistic concept, which has a perception of the states as rational and unitary subjects which have a legitimate right to follow their own national interests. Into a service of our hypothesis we will take the epic creation of Thucydides, The Melian Dialogue. Through this dialogue we will try to demonstrate that a universal political being exists, or objective spirit of the world in a Hegelian sense, which gives a kind of continuance of the political entities, and which is based upon the belief of a consistent human nature. In that spirit, through The Bucharest Dialogue, we will try to prove that a realistic approach of description of the relations between nations is still present, actually, it is so vivid that we can reconstruct an actual political story, using the narrative technique of Thucydides, exactly as he would have constructed if he were our contemporary.

That spring the Athenians and the Skopjans have sent their delegations to represent them at the summit of The North Atlantic Treaty Organization in Bucharest, Romania. The Athenians went with a clear and single goal, to use their position as members of this organization, with tendency to compel the Skopjans to leave their strong positions regarding the name of their country, and to obey to the fortitude of the stronger. The Skopjans were neighbors of the Athenians, they had very small political and economy power, to that all their hopes were aimed towards this summit, and the chance to finally be a part of the great Euro-Atlantic Family. With this, the Skopjans believed that once and for all their existence will be confirmed and guaranteed. A few moments before the beginning of the assembly where the acceptance of new members was being voted, the delegations of the Athenians and Skopjans met behind closed doors, to negotiate for the possibility of the Skopjans becoming part of this organization.

The Athenians: Skopjans, we advise you to be wise, practical and rational, and to accept what we offer, and that is a membership in our family with which you will obtain your existence, in return you will change your name for the well being of the both sides.

The Skopjans: How will it be good for us if we denounce the name of our country?

The Athenians: If you denounce, then you will obtain the existence and prosperity of your country, we, on the other hand, will accomplish our national interests and will fortify the establishment of our country.

The Skopjans: Don’t you think that with the veto you are planning, you will gain enemies among other members of the NATO, members which are favoring for our membership?

The Athenians: No. We do not fear from other countries on the continent. Each one of them has its own problems, so in this case they will probably stand behind. And even if it would not be so, the will of one country-member is enough to prevent your integration.

The Skopjans: Let us say that you are right. Wouldn’t we be cowards and traitors of our own people if we agree to your suggestion?

The Athenians: No, because you will come to your senses. Your highest priority should be the safety of your country; this can only be guaranteed with your membership in NATO. The Skopjans: Still, we hope that on the assembly the other countries will be favorable to us. Let us remind you, we have accomplished all the criterions for membership in this union. Eventually, we believe in the same principles as all the countries in Europe, such as the individual liberty and liberal democracy.

The Athenians: If you count only upon the favor of the other countries then you will be deceived. Our goals and values are perfectly consistent with those of the other country-members of NATO. We assure you that each one of them, would react the same if found in this position. They all know that there is an unwritten “law of nature” which is to follow our own national interests, and by all means using all the active assets.

The Skopjans: Since you are giving priority to the strength and power instead of reason and justice, then we can count on the help from the Americans, who were in our favor and acknowledged our name.

The Athenians: In this hope of yours, you will be also disappointed. When it comes to the Americans, we should remind you that like no other country in the world, they get involved when they sense a chance for profit, without losing anything, and with no chance of losing an ally. The solemn fact of our membership makes us their ally. And on the arguments that you have just given us, you have shown to be able to lean upon the hope, help from the Americans and the favor of the country-members during the vote. In all these expectations you will be deceived. Be rational and accept our advice, for there is no shame to obey to the will of the stronger. Do not let the sense of fairness and righteousness mislead you, because now more then ever your country is being threatened, this threat can be stopped only with our consent for you to be accepted in NATO alliance. In that moment, both sides retrieved from the argument. The Skopjans were on the move to decide what will be the answer of the given proposition. When they came to a firm standpoint, they called for the Athenians and announced:
Our decision Athenians is not to change the name. We still believe in the favor of the other country-members of NATO alliance, because we completed all the given tasks. We believe in the support of the Americans, which means so much to us, for they are the most powerful country in the world. But most of all we believe in the idea of “Europe with no borders”, we believe in the principles of justice and reason, we believe in the sincere attentions of NATO alliance to be a true democratic family which will establish all the countries and nations no meter how great or powerful they are. We are convinced that we are led by the same principles on which this unity rests. The only thing that goes over the state borders and the obedience of the national interests is the idea for loyalty to the liberal democracy, the tissue that connects all country-members of the NATO alliance. The Athenians without hearing out the end of this reply, rushed off to an official dinner on which the members unofficially stated their opinions for the acceptance of the new countries. Next morning, on the meeting, their threats were confirmed. In the final report of the NATO summit, only the Skopjans were left with no invitation for membership in the great Euro-Atlantic Family.

The Americans tried to pressure the Athenians to change their decision, but it was all for nothing, with no results.

Meanwhile, the delegation of the Skopjans, left disapointed before everyone else from the summit in Bucharest, which was held in the great Palace of the Parliament. As they were leaving the palace they noticed the sign which was put upfront in great towards the Palace. Pondering how to announce the bad news to their citizens, the letters. Each one of them was wondering how they have missed it during the entering. Disappointed from the outcome and tired from the negotiating they aimed their eyes Skopjans with absence read the statement: “While the strong do what they can, the weak suffer what they must. “

Martin Nikolic is assistant at the European University in Skopje. With this inspiring essay, in the style of Malian Dialogue from Thucydides, he took part in Thessalonica Conference at ACT, organized by American College of Thessalonica and the Foundation Borjan Taneski.