Political Ideology in Post-dictatorial Greece: The Experience of Socialist Dominance

Abstract

Ideological politics in post-dictatorial Greece is an important subject yet one that has not been fully explored. In particular, the issue of the creation of a left-wing ideological hegemony has not received proper attention. Yet the ambition of the socialist party (PaSoK) to establish such a hegemony was part of a conscious and well-prepared policy which, once it was applied, made a great impact on Greek political life. PaSoK's ideology emerged as a response to a transition from the closed political system of the past to a new system open to the masses. Through the state, the party, the media, and educational institutions, the party sought to impose a new Weltanschauung based on participatory values and an organic view of society. This ideological project was partly successful insofar as it seems to have influenced many areas of Greek social life. It appears to have been partially unsuccessful, however, from the viewpoint of Greece's long-term democratic development, since it failed to promote the rule of law. Whether the new Greek Right can accomplish this task remains to be seen.