Political scientist and professor at Oxford, Stathis Kalyvas, emphasizes the power of society, the shock of the “somersault” of 2015, and the resilience of citizens.
Stathis Kalivas, Professor of Political Science at the University of OxfordStathis Kalyvas, in a post prompted by his discussion with Dimitris Danikas on political developments, points out that one of the most important findings to emerge from his survey is the existence of powerful forces within society, which are not necessarily linked to party politics but can play a decisive role in addressing major challenges.
Stathis Kalivas on the 2015 “U-turn” and the public’s shock
Mr. Kalivas notes that this social resilience became evident even after the economic crisis, when the country was faced with the so-called “U-turn” by the Tsipras government following the <a href="https://tomanifesto.gr/referendum in 2015.
As noted, more than 60% of Greeks had voted “No,” and the subsequent change in stance constituted a particularly powerful shock for many citizens, who had trusted the promises of the then prime minister. At the same time, he points out that, in his view, the change of course proved necessary, as otherwise the country could have been led to far more adverse developments.
He emphasizes that the citizens who lived through that experience suffered a profound humiliation and significant political disillusionment, yet in the years that followed they managed to get back on their feet and regain confidence in their own capabilities.
Beyond the parties – The power of society
According to Mr. Kalivas, the country’s return to a more stable course is not due exclusively to the actions of New Democracy, but also to the determination of a large segment of society, which demonstrated adaptability and resilience in the face of difficulties.
The professor emphasizes that public discourse almost always focuses on parties and political leaders, pushing what happens within society into the background. As he notes, there are many noteworthy projects, initiatives, and forms of social action that deserve to be highlighted and strengthened.
In closing, he notes that the real dynamic for a better future is often found within society itself, which possesses the mechanisms and the strength to respond to challenges regardless of political developments and party alignments.
Stathis Kalyvas’s post:
