The International Financial Crisis of 2008 (IFC), and the austerity programs imposed in Greece, hit particularly the already weak Greek economy; despite the crucial fact that the latter suffered severe structural, deficit and, debt problems over the relevant past decades, even before the IFC explosion. Through a structured questionnaire, distributed to 348 students at the International Hellenic University (IHU) and their parents, we investigate how the crisis affected their salary and their working conditions, as well as how respondents evaluate the measures imposed by the “Troika”. Our research findings are of particular interest. More than three out of four respondents, support the view of Naomi Klein that a society in deep crisis is in a “State of Shock”, unable to react, and Greece is such a case. Respondents tend to believe that the pursued policies are forms of psychological violence-pressure, aimed at the disorientation of people, who are willing to work under worse working conditions. Read more

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a continuous health crisis from March 2020 until today. The health crisis due to the imposed restrictions caused socio-economic crisis and disorders in almost all over the world. Greece is not an exception in these new conditions that the health crisis has imposed. Through a structured questionnaire, distributed to young people, we investigate how the health crisis affected Greek people. Specifically, we study the respondents’ opinions regarding the anti-dispersion prevention measures, their feeling of security and who is responsible for the pandemic. By means of descriptive statistics and more advanced statistical techniques, we aim to verify or disprove the view of Naomi Klein that a society in deep crisis is in a ‘state of shock’, unable to react. Read more

Recent research has increasingly explored the nexus between energy consumption and economic growth, with a particular focus on energy economics. Key factors driving this growing interest include environmental protection, the expansion of renewable energy sources, and recurrent energy crises, all of which have stimulated interdisciplinary investigations, particularly within the field of economics. This study conducts a systematic literature review of research related to Greece over the period 1994–2023, examining the relationship between energy consumption—both renewable and non-renewable—and economic growth. The paper categorizes and presents the methodologies employed, the thematic areas explored, the broader research classifications, the volume of studies, and the evolution of research in this domain. Special emphasis is placed on methodological approaches, including econometric techniques as well as emerging research trends that shape the field. Additionally, the study documents Greece’s legislative trajectory in renewable energy and compares findings with corresponding European studies. Identified research gaps include the need for longitudinal analyses and comparative policy assessments. The conclusions underscore the pivotal role of renewable energy in economic development and policymaking, offering insights and directions for future research. Read more