The Greek economic crisis has imperilled the stability of the eurozone, generating much global anxiety. Policymakers, analysts, and the media have daily debated the course of the Greek economy, prescribing ways to move forward. This collection of essays progressively moves from an analysis of the causes of the crisis and the policy responses so far to a debate on some of the countryʼs advantages and capabilities that should underpin its new development model and propel the return to growth. The book analytically chooses to view the glass as half-full and seeks to provide motivation and inspiration for change by indicating some of the economic sectors where Greece maintains a comparative advantage. Therefore, it challenges the emerging picture of Greece as a country doomed to failure, where everything falls apart.

Greece is a sovereign state located in eastern Europe, situated on the southern end of the Balkan Peninsula. The country is surrounded by the Aegean Sea to the east and the Ionian Sea to the west, and has a population of about 10.8 million people. Greece is recognized the world over as one of the cradles of Western civilization, with its ancient history playing a huge role in shaping the modern world. It was in ancient Greece, over 2,500 years ago, that democracy, art, philosophy, literature, and architecture flourished. The country’s ancient past remains evident in its monuments and architecture, which draw millions of tourists each year. Greece has a diverse economy that is growing steadily, thanks to excellent infrastructure and tourism. The country's major industries include tourism, shipping, and agriculture, and it has made progress in developing its renewable energy resources, particularly wind turbines and solar power. Greece also has a high standard of living and a well-educated population, including a thriving university system. The country's cuisine is characterized by a mix of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences, with seafood and lamb dishes being particularly popular. Overall, Greece is a unique and fascinating country that is well worth exploring.

The book draws extensively on research on modern Greece in recent decades, and on the many perceptive commentaries on recent events in the Greek press. It adopts both an analytical and chronological approach and shows how Greece has both converged with western Europe and remained distinctively Balkan. David Close writes clearly and forcefully, and presents a lively picture of the Greek political system, economic development, social changes and foreign relations. Aimed at readers coming to the subject for the first time, this is a readable and informative introduction to contemporary Greece.

Since 2010 Greece has been experiencing the longest period of austerity and economic downturn in its recent history. Economic changes may be happening more rapidly and be more visible than the cultural effects of the crisis which are likely to take longer to become visible, however in recent times, both at home and abroad, the Greek arts scene has been discussed mainly in terms of the crisis. While there is no shortage of accounts of Greece's economic crisis by financial and political analysts, the cultural impact of austerity has yet to be properly addressed. This book analyses hitherto uncharted cultural aspects of the Greek economic crisis by exploring the connections between austerity and culture. Covering literary, artistic and visual representations of the crisis, it includes a range of chapters focusing on different aspects of the cultural politics of austerity such as the uses of history and archaeology, the brain drain and the Greek diaspora, Greek cinema, museums, music festivals, street art and literature as well as manifestations of how the crisis has led Greeks to rethink or question cultural discourses and conceptions of identity.

2011 Updated Reprint. Updated Annually. Greece Investment and Trade Laws and Regulations Handbook