The shape of things to come? reflections on the causalities, casualties and implications of the Greek crisis

2 March 2015

Time: 5:00 - 7:00pm
Venue: Arts One Lecture Theatre, Mile End Campus

Speaker: Professor Dimitris Papadimitriou (University of Manchester)

The lecture addresses the intersection of the Greek crisis and European efforts to resolve it. First, it discusses the domestic impact of the two EU/IMF ‘bailout’ packages in 2010 and 2012. It is argued that polarising discourse over the ‘Memoranda’ and the many different interpretations of their purpose and desirability, led to a radical redrawing of traditional cleavages in Greek politics. The lecture then switches its attention to the European level, seeking to unpack the key drivers behind the EU’s response to the ‘Greek problem’. Here, the discussion covers both institutional factors that conditioned this response, but also the emergence of an emotive (but also changing) narrative about the nature of the crisis and its appropriate ‘remedy’. It will conclude with some reflections on the recent election result in Greece and its likely implications for Greece itself and the Eurozone as a whole.

A drinks reception will follow.

Please register for the event via Eventbrite if you wish to attend.