Politics and Policy in Greece: The Challenge of 'Modernisation'

This rare focus on the politics of contemporary Greece explores in particular the countries processes of public policy-making. It is more than thirty years since the restoration of democracy in Greece and in this period the country has undergone a number of major changes. Domestic political tensions have arisen from the pressures of Europeanization as a consequence of Greece's membership in the European Union. EU membership has helped define a modernization project, latterly associated with Premier Costas Simitis, which clashes with traditional practices and paradigms. In addition, other challenges have arisen: of a multi-ethnic society, of the loss of faith in old ideologies and of the passage of old divisions. Greece now faces pressure to adapt to the external environment, as well as to the constraints of the will and capability of the domestic system. Politics and Policy in Greeceaddresses core issues, such as: * How far has the politics of modernization penetrated Greeksociety? * How far have reforms to state-economy relations, welfare systems and constitutional rights reflected a liberal agenda and how far have they reflected traditional concerns? * How has modernization affected Greece's relations with the European Union? Containing expert overviews and detailed case studies of the dynamics of domestic politics, this accessible and informative volume is essential reading for both Greeks and non-Greeks alike.