Lecture Abstract:

Kevin Featherstone will argue that the task of government in Greece has become harder, not easier, since the consolidation of the post-1974 regime. There is a basic problem of governance: while the pressures of Europeanisation and 'modernisation' combine to urge domestic reform, they are challenged by the institutional capability of the state to deliver reform, the particular pattern of interest mediation and the associated cultural attitudes. The problem is thus systemic and cannot be easily rectified by a new political leadership. Reform will require Greece to confront painful choices.

Kevin Featherstone is the Eleftherios Venizelos Professor of Contemporary Greek Studies, Director of the Hellenic Observatory and the European Institute at the London School of Economics and Political Science. He took up his current post in 2002. Professor Featherstone was previously Professor of European Politics (1995-2002) and Jean Monnet Chair in European Integration Studies (1994-2002) at the University of Bradford; also; Visiting Professor in Politics, New York University (1990-91) and Visiting Professor in International Relations, University of Minnesota (1983). His research combines an interest in the external and internal politics and processes of the European Union and the domestic politics and external relations of Greece. He has published widely. His most recent books include The Politics of Europeanization, co-edited with C. Radaelli, Oxford University Press, 2003; Europeanization and the Southern Periphery, co-edited with G. Kazamias, Frank Cass, 2001; and The Road to Maastricht: Negotiating Economic and Monetary Union, with K. Dyson, Oxford University Press, 1999. He has also published many articles on modern Greek politics. His most recent include: (with G Kazamias, D Papadimitriou) "Greece and the Negotiation of Economic and Monetary Union: Preferences, Strategies, and Institutions", Journal of Modern Greek Studies, 18, 2000, pp. 393-414; (with G Kazamias, D Papadimitriou) "The Limits of External Empowerment: EMU, Technocracy and Pension Reform in Greece", Political Studies, 49, 3, 2001, pp. 462-480.

The Donors: Dr. Dimitri Pallas, a native of Greece, studied at the University of Athens and did graduate work in the United States. He was Senior Staff Cardiologist at the Division of Cardiology in the Henry Ford Health System at Fairlane. He is a Founding Member of the American Hellenic Congress and Founder and President of the Foundation for Modern Greek Studies. Irmgard Baier Pallas is a native of Germany and fluent speaker of Greek. She has taught German Language and Literature at the Goethe Institute in Athens and at Wayne State University.