Georgios Melios, Research Officer, Hellenic Observatory, LSE
This seminar examines the interplay of state propaganda, mass mobilisation, and coercive repression during Greece’s turbulent Cold War era. Combining political science and historical analysis, V. Logothetis (University of Ioannina) and G. Melios (LSE) dissect how authoritarian regimes weaponised ideology, media, and violence to control dissent. Melios’ job market paper underscores the mechanisms of statecraft—from orchestrated rallies to clandestine surveillance—to reveal the enduring legacies of political polarisation. Drawing on archival evidence and comparative frameworks, the discussion challenges conventional narratives of passive victimhood, instead highlighting grassroots resistance and adaptive survival strategies.
Meet our speaker and chair
Georgios Melios is a Research Officer at the Hellenic Observatory - Centre for Research on Contemporary Greece and Cyprus, LSE
George's academic work is at the intersection of political economy and behavioural science. His research primarily focuses on the foundations of democracy: how democratic institutions function, how citizens interact with them and how they can be improved. He looks at the electoral cycle through four essential angles: i) the factors that affect citizens’ participation, ii) those that shape their preferences, iii) the effect of elections on policies and welfare, and iv) collective decision making when institutions fail.
While George's individual papers focus on just one or two of these steps at a time, his research as a whole seeks to paint a fresh and articulated picture of how democracy works, from how voters think and act to the output of democratic processes.
Professor Vassilis Monastiriotis is Director of the LSE Centre for Research on Contemporary Greece and Cyprus - Hellenic Observatory, Professor in Political Economy and Eleftherios Venizelos Chair of Contemporary Greek Studies at the European Institute, LSE.
The Hellenic Observatory (@HO_LSE) is internationally recognised as a leading research centre on contemporary Greece and Cyprus. In 2024, it became the LSE Centre for Research on Contemporary Greece and Cyprus with a strategy to expand its research base within LSE and beyond. The Centre produces world-leading, non-partisan research, critically engaging with key issues and fostering debate among academics, policymakers, and the public. Its work spans academic research, knowledge exchange, and policy impact.
LSE holds a wide range of events, covering many of the most controversial issues of the day, and speakers at our events may express views that cause offence. The views expressed by speakers at LSE events do not reflect the position or views of The London School of Economics and Political Science.
From time to time there are changes to event details so we strongly recommend that if you plan to attend this event you check back on this listing on the day of the event.
Whilst we are hosting this listing, LSE Events does not take responsibility for the running and administration of this event. While we take responsible measures to ensure that accurate information is given here (for instance by checking that the room has been booked) this event is ultimately the responsibility of the organisation presenting the event.