The Aftermath Of The Greek Election: Had Democracy Reigned In The Free Market?

Ten years ago, the left wing party Syriza obtained just 4% of the vote in Greek elections. Recently, Syriza took control of the country under the charismatic leadership of Alexis Tsipras. Tsipra’s impressive election victory and his decision to build an anti-austerity government in coalition with the rightwing populist Independent Greeks Party sent shockwaves through Europe. What impact might be expected for Greece and for Europe in general? Can this government keep Greece in the EURO-Zone and does it really want to do so? How will it deal with the social challenges Greece is facing? Will Syriza’s success galvanize the extreme left throughout Europe and put pressure on EU economic policies? And, is it significant that the the Russian ambassador to Greece was the first foreign diplomat welcomed by Prime Minister Tsipras? Will the new Greek government be committed to NATO and the EU foreign policy? 

Sponsored by the Institutions and Governance Program (iGov), the Institute of International Studies, and the Institute of European Studies.