As we are getting ready to embark on the fourth EC Eastern Mediterranean Security Studies program, I thought that we start, where we left off last year. The area of the Eastern Mediterranean continues to be the epicenter of global events, especially as the humanitarian tragedy of refugee and migration across the Aegean and the Mediterranean is costing hundreds of human lives and permanent displacement and misery. This year's program will once again be focussed on the themes of geopolitics, energy, democracy, leadership and governance. However, beyond the continued reliance on the experiential dimensions of living and immersing ourselves in the cultures, languages of the region, we will have the opportunity to hear from a large number of experts and practitioners on issues of agricultural sustainability, gender and leadership, environment and food insecurity, war and migration, religious tolerance and changing post-nation-state landscape in the region. Through the entries in this blog page, the participants to the program will have a chance share and exchange thoughts, impressions and ideas with each other and with the wider public. This experience tends to be very intensive as the interaction of the ideas in the classroom and those of the readings are constantly and immediately tested by peers and the surroundings.
I ask that we are all respectful of the various voices that will be heard here and that we use civility and respect above all. Enjoy!
So far this program has been wonderful, both in the classroom as well as on the island in general. Something that has caught my eye while exploring the island has been the way that the economy of the island functions. As mentioned prior to the trip, the Eurozone Crisis has been a source of concern and distress for several European states. With this in mind, I have observed how many of the smaller towns on Crete seem to be struggling economically. For example, here in Alikianos it is common to come across people just sitting around all day at coffee shops. Thus indicating a lack of employment. Whereas some of the coastal areas that we have visited, including the beaches, seem to be thriving off of tourism. Also, while driving by the several orange tree farms, Professor explained that most of the oranges that could be seen were left overs from the previous seasons due to the inability to sell them. As discussed in class, I have questioned whether or not the Eurozone Crisis is solely a phase, or rather a longterm condition.
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ReplyDeleteStarting in 1848, Nationalism, Liberalism, and Socialism have been three competing ideological political structures which have led to much distress and bloodshed. The end of the Cold War marked a global uniform liberal democracy. Does this suggest the domination of a singular civilization? Are we moving towards a “commercially homogeneous global network”, says Barber in Jihad vs. McWorld in 1992.
ReplyDeleteBased on the conditions I have seen in Alikianos, I have witnessed the issues of a liberal democracy. Prior to my visit to Greece, I would have likely agreed with this idea of liberal democracy domination; however, there are issues in the political structure in certain states which do not work. At this point in my studies of political science and international studies, I am not quite sure what these issues may be and am eager to understand them in depth.
I decided to come to Crete after hearing so many good things about it from Dr. Vamvakas, as well as to push myself out of my comfort zone. I am so glad I did! Everyone we have met here have been so warm and welcoming. Today was only the second day of classes but I already feel like I have learned so much. I think this is largely due to the fact we are living in the place we are learning about. For example, today in class we discussed the Eurozone crisis and the economic crisis in Greece. I have learned about these topics before back in Boston, but being here makes it so much more real. Seeing what everyday people here in Crete are going through gives me a new sense of the immediacy and extent of the crisis. I think this is why it is so important to travel, because it gives you a new perspective on issues to which you otherwise may feel disconnected. I am looking forward to the many exciting new things to come on this beautiful island, and cannot wait to meet more of the people who live here.
ReplyDeleteToday’s lesson on what led up to the Greek economic crisis was my favorite lecture so far. There has been so much in the news about the crisis in Greece, but I never understood what actually caused it. One important reason for their economic collapse was the fact that they pushed out their debt to the future, so it appeared as though they met the EU requirement of 60% debt in order to convert to the euro. Once it came time to pay these loans, Greece could not get any more money because their debts had been realized. They started implementing austerity policies, which greatly affected the Greek people. Being a part of a larger governing structure has also influenced the traditional lifestyle here in Crete. At the bakery today we had the opportunity to meet Vasillis (not sure of the spelling!), who is the fourth generation in his family to own this bakery. He showed us how to make olive bread and sundried tomato bread, and lots of other delicious treats! He and his mother were so warm and welcoming, and you could tell that hospitality is very important to them. People from all over the village come to this bakery or another small one like it to buy bread. However, he was telling us that there is pressure from above on these small bakeries to transition to more industrialized standards, which would be too expensive to implement and would not allow for them to stay in business. Vasillis wants to help small businesses like his by educating people on the importance of eating healthy, responsibly, and locally. I think it is so important to keep local businesses running because they are part of the thread of society and part of the tradition and culture of Crete.
ReplyDeleteToday the trip to the bakery was very fun, but also interesting. I enjoyed hearing about the baking techniques used, and of course the bread was wonderful. On a more educational note, it was interesting to hear about the struggles faced by small scale bakers in Greece today. From my understanding, the modernizing world is pushing small bakeries towards ones with newer more efficient technologies in order to mass produce baked goods. As explained by Vasillis, this sort of change would raise his running costs a significant amount. This seems to be representative of the movement towards a more modern and technologically advanced world. However, it was very valuable to see this predicament from the perspective of someone on the other side of the movement. This movement away from small local businesses fits along with the theme of the creation of large global institutions that shift the focus away from small entities, as in the case of small businesses.
ReplyDeleteIs governance dominated more so by emotion or rather geopolitics? The argument has recently become a topic of interest as US troops are neutralizing territories and providing aid. As ethical and humanitarian conflicts arise, is it our responsibility to take action? What happens when our emotions interfere with the political and economic wellbeing of our state?
ReplyDeleteA rational actor would argue the “cost benefit analysis” which infers that political decisions should not be made based on emotional foundations. Should political decisions be made on a geopolitical foundation? I believe in the analogy of the geopolitics of emotions being similar to a poker game. It is good to show confidence in your actions but you don’t want to be caught bluffing.
Today was another amazing and beautiful day in Crete. We started learning about verbs in our Greek Language and Culture class, which is sure to be tricky! We also visited Agrocreta, a packaging plant that Yota's husband is actually a partner in. We got a tour of their business and saw where they sort their citrus and bottle their olive oil. It was really interesting and awesome to see how everything in Crete seems to be locally produced. We even got to take home a bottle of olive oil and they made us fresh orange juice...gotta love that Greek hospitality! However, my favorite part was seeing the strong spirit of the man who gave us the tour and told us that they do not like to blame the Greek economic crisis for any hard times. I think this really says something about the pride they have in their work and their strong work ethic.
ReplyDeleteBefore this we also went to a vineyard and the wine was actually very good (this coming from someone who didn't think she was a wine person). On the walk back from Agrocreta there was a 10th century church that was so beautiful and surrounded by mountains. It still amazes me how much history this place has.