Greek road toward West
In a sense, Greece’s entry into the eurozone is the culmination of a movement toward the West that lasted half a century. In 1952, the country became a member of NATO; in 2002, it adopted the euro as its currency. «Formally, it took 50 years,» says Georgios P. Malouchos in his book, «Course West: Half a Century of Greek Uncertainty,» recently published by Livanis. «Greece’s course toward the West – initially the Atlantic, now Euro-Atlantic, and possibly Europe in the future – was not easy. Nor did it begin, as many believe, just a decade ago in the picturesque Maastricht of the Netherlands.» Greece’s triumph over its geography and recent history was the wager behind this journey, Malouchos believes. The country would join a bloc that had attained considerable development and security, despite being located in another region which, unfortunately, is still suffering. «That,» says Malouchos, «is why the common currency means far more to Greece than it does to our partners.» This brief excerpt is an indication of the breadth and ambition of this book. Malouchos, a columnist for Kathimerini, has a strong grounding in many issues and international experience. In this book, he raises basic questions about the orientation and choices of Greek policy and society. His cogent arguments provide a fresh look at Greece’s position in the current geopolitical situation. Above all, his book offers an analysis that gives both historical background and future perspective. Directed by Michael Rymer, starring Aaliyah, Stuart Townsend, Vincent Perez. Legendary vampire Lestat turns into a an American rock star.
