In all probability 2011 is going to be one of the most critical years in recent decades. The problems created by the global economic crisis continue to affect the lives of ordinary people and could become a source of social instability. At the same time, developments at international level are creating a sense of uncertainty since long-established balances are facing profound challenges.

With contributions by distinguished scholars and policymakers from Greece and abroad, the Konstantinos Karamanlis Institute for Democracy Yearbook 2011 addresses various issues of public debate both in Europe and internationally. Special attention is given to the global economic crisis and, more specifically, to its impact on Greece, which has recently found itself at the epicenter of international attention. Certain of the essays highlight the importance of leadership as an instrument for political reform, while a special section provides an update on the major global issue of climate change.

Autorentext

Konstantina E. Botsiou

Associate Professor of Modern History and International Politics in the Department of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Peloponnese, Director General of the Konstantinos Karamanlis Institute for Democracy

Antonis Klapsis

Adjunct Lecturer of Modern History in the Department of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Peloponnese, Head of Publications and Research Programmes at the Konstantinos Karamanlis Institute for Democracy

Zusammenfassung

The global economy is still experiencing the effects of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s. Over the last three years economies worldwide have slowed and international trade has declined. Most importantly, the crisis has negatively affected the lives of ordinary people, creating a sense of uncertainty about the future and thus posing a direct threat to social cohesion, thus posing new challenges to political leadership. Climate change is also forcing the developed world to formulate a common strategy that will balance growth and environmental protection. The aim of the book is to examine these international trends and comprehend the transformations that take place internationally. The multi-authored work presents several accounts on the course of vital aspects of politics and economy. As a result, the contents of the book focusses on four main subjects: 1) global economic crisis and its consequences, 2) economic governance, 3) political leadership, and 4) climate change.

Inhalt
Intrdoduction. THE GLOBAL ECONOMIC CRISIS AND THE CASE OF GREECE: Alternative Strategies for Greece's Exit from the Economic Crisis.- The Crisis in the Eurozone.- Fiscal Rules in the EU.- Economic Recession and Labour Migration.- The Economic Recession in Greece.- The Political Economy of the Greek Crisis in the Framework of the European Monetary Union.- Is Greece a Failing Developed State?- Four Waves of Financial Crisis in 40 Years.- The Future of Economic Governance in the EU.- Entrepreneurship and Economic Development.- The Social Market Economy. POLITICAL LEADERSHIP: Political Leadership in Greece in Times of Crisis.- In the Name of "Europe". CLIMAGE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION: Climate Change.- European Energy Policy and Carbon-Free Electricity Generation.- Targeting the Maritime Dimension of Climate Change.