Propaganda, mobilisation and electoral repression in Greece

This seminar examined 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

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 one of the premier research centres on contemporary Greece and Cyprus. It engages in a range of activities, including developing and supporting academic and policy-related research; organisation of conferences, seminars and workshops; academic exchange through visiting fellowships and internships; as well as teaching at the graduate level through LSE's European Institute.

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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.