Public Engagement

BBC Thai interview with Panisa Aemocha

E-IR’s Thinking Global Podcast

I was hosted on the Thinking Global Podcast, and discussed my work on nationalism, migration, nation-building, and the politics of diaspora management (September 2025).

Borderlands and identity dynamics

In this webinar, we consider borderlands and the impact cross-border politics have on identity and nationalism, a topic made ever more timely within the context of Russia’s war on Ukraine.

Whither Nationalism?

In this webinar, we discuss the state of Nationalism Studies on the occasion of the publication of my co-authored article Nationalism: What We Know and What We Still Need to Know.

Does Religion Cause Political Violence?

In this presentation, I unpack the relationship between religion and political violence. I have elaborated on this in an essay entitled “Revisiting the Link: Politicizing Religion in Democratizing Countries,” published in the Harvard International Review. The panel title was “New Trends in the Data on Religion and Democracy,” part of the Symposium on Religion & Democracy in the Foreign Policy of the Obama Administration, Organized by the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace & World Affairs, 2 November 2009.

When do Leaders Resort to Fifth-Column Accusations?

Enemies Within: The Global Politics of Fifth Columns is the first book to systematically investigate the roots and implications of the politics of fifth columns. In this volume, co-edited with Scott Radnitz, we demonstrate that the invocation of “fifth columns” in the political arena has recurred periodically throughout modern history and is experiencing an upsurge in our era of democratic erosion. We argue that fifth-column accusations can have baleful effects on governance and trust, as they call into question the loyalty and belonging of the targeted populations. Book Launch, 29 November 2022.

What accounts for a government’s framing of its fifth-column claims? 

In this podcast, I discuss the reasons behind the different ways that China has framed the Uyghurs as a ‘fifth column’ over time, as well as the question of whether or not we are entering into a period of increased fifth column rhetoric and politics. The Sigma Iota Rho Global Affairs Podcast, 25 April 2023.

What are the Consequences of Fifth Column Politics on International Politics?

In this co-authored essay, we argue that internal polarization and global geopolitical instability are converging in the return of fifth-column politics as leaders increasingly target so-called enemies within—and this trend could have dire consequences for international politics. Foreign Affairs, 28 August 2022 (with Scott Radnitz).

What was Putin’s Goal When Warning About Russian ‘fifth columns’ ?

In this co-authored opinion piece, we argue that Putin’s warning about Russian ‘fifth columns’ has a long lineage. Ultimately invoking ‘fifth columns’ allows leaders to divide their opposition, control public discourse, and redefine loyalty in self-serving ways. The Washington Post, 30 March 2022 (with Scott Radnitz).

How do Nations Build their Influence?

In this interview, I discuss America’s growing political partisanship and tribalism, and what it takes to create national cohesion within a nation-building framework. I also unpack my work on nationalism, diasporas, and nation-building from a comparative politics perspective. AcademicInfluence.com, 20 December 2020.

Is this a National Integration Crisis?

In this webinar on the US Presidential elections, I discuss my understanding of US polarization as a manifestation of a national integration crisis. The event was co-organized by The Council for International Relations – Greece (CfIR-GR), the University of Pireaus, and Panteion University Greece, 5 November 2020.

Partisanship, Polarization & National Cohesion

In this podcast, I discuss my key takeaways from the 2020 U.S. election, focusing on polarization along party lines and its deleterious effects on national cohesion. Greek Current, November 6, 2020.

What Does it Mean to be an American?

In our podcast, American Constitutive Stories, Andrew Thompson and I have put together a space where Americans from different walks of life can share their understanding of their national identity, how it relates to other identities, who they think to be American heroes, and what they see as the most promising connecting tissue of our society in the future.

The Future of “New Nationalism”

In this short essay, I discuss the future of “New Nationalism”. A worrisome type of nationalism has been on the rise, not just in the United States but also in Europe, Brazil, India, China and beyond, manifesting itself across the globe in economic, health and civilizational terms. Major nations around the world are experiencing efforts to reintroduce old hierarchies and restrict the boundaries of belonging. These trends are troubling, but they are not irreversible. I address what needs to be done to reverse this trend.

How Rogers Smith’s Work Can Help us Today?

In this talk, I discuss the influence of Rogers Smith’s work in the field of political science and on my work in particular. I share some intuitions that flow from his work on the politics of belonging and the attainment of social order. Andrea Mitchell Center for the Study of Democracy, 10 May 2022.

Why is Europe Becoming More Conservative?

I analyze the reasons behind the growing trust in conservative and right-wing parties by citizens across Europe. Interview with Evi Kiori on EURACTIV’s podcast Beyond the Byline (2023).

What is the Future of the Left in Greece?

I comment on Syriza’s defeat in the 2023 election, the resignation of Alexis Tsipras from Syriza’s leadership, and the future of the left in Greece in the wake of New Democracy’s massive victory. Interview with HALC’s Erini Kosmas.

How are Diasporas Constructed?

In my co-edited book The Microfoundations of Diaspora Politics, Alexandra Délano Alonso and I examine the various actors within and beyond the state that participate in the design and implementation of diaspora policies, as well as the mechanisms through which diasporas are constructed by governments, political parties, diaspora entrepreneurs, or international organisations. Book Launch (2022).

The End of Multiculturalism in Europe?

In spite of the economic need for migrant labor and a tradition of embracing multi-culturalism, European electorates and their representatives in government have moved away from the more liberal and inclusive policies of the past. Some European leaders have even pronounced the “end of multiculturalism.” In this presentation, I discussed the rise of nativism in Europe but also some of the myths associated with the so called “end of multiculturalism.” Woodrow Wilson Center, 24 May 2012.

Why did Greece Experience a Strong Blow to its Party System Relative to other Austerity-Stricken Eurozone Countries?

In the fourth annual Edward and Emily McWhinney memorial lecture, I argued that charismatic leadership and its negative effect on institutions accounts for the difficulty Greece had in reforming its economy and society. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Centre for Hellenic Studies (19 October 2020).

What was the Impact of the 1923 Compulsory Population Exchange on the Greek Constitutive Story?

In my Hellenic Studies Annual Lecture I unpacked the impact of 1923 Compulsory Population Exchange on the Greek Constitutive Story. University of Toronto (28 April 2023).

What are the Consequences of Charismatic Leadership?

In a documentary I co-directed and produced, Searching for Andreas: Political Leadership in Times of Crisis, I explore the pitfalls of charismatic leadership and the limits of democratic politics under the pressures of economic globalization.

A Conversation on the Film

Searching for Andreas was screened during the Hellenic Film Society’s film celebration commemorating the 200th anniversary of Greek Independence. On the occasion of this screening, I sat down with distinguished Greek journalist Katerina Sokou to discuss Papandreou’s legacy in the aftermath of the Greek debt crisis, March 2021.

What is the art of Leadership?

In this podcast, The Art of Leadership, I discussed my understanding of ‘Charismatic leadership’. When do people resort to Charismatic leaders and with what effects? Interview with Norman Sandridge, August 2019.

The Contested Legacy of Andreas Papandreou

On the occasion of the publication of a new biography of Andreas Papandreou by Stan Draenos, I was invited to comment on the volume. Woodrow Wilson Center, 3 December 2012.

List of Op-eds and Essays

“An Election Won’t End Greece’s Troubles. Sunday’s vote is unlikely to yield a new government.” Foreign Policy, 19 May 2023 (with Akis Georgakellos).

“Nur’s Magic Brush: A Critique of Arbitrary Power, for kids,” Kathimerini.gr, 10 January 2023. [In Greek]

“The Disturbing Return of the Fifth Column How Enemies Within—Real and Imagined—Are Influencing Geopolitics,” Foreign Affairs, 28 August 2022 (with Scott Radnitz).

“Putin’s warning about Russian ‘fifth columns’ has a long, sordid lineage“The Washington Post blog, The Monkey Cage, 30 March 2022 (with Scott Radnitz).

“The Future of “New Nationalism,” GW Magazine, Spring 2021.

“USA’s existential dilemma,” Kathimerini, 3 November  2020. [In Greek]

“Belarus: A Glimmer of Hope?” Cambridge Core Blog, August 18 2020 (with Volha Charnysh).

“After a decade of crisis, Greek politics are turning normal and more technocratic,” The Washington Post blog, The Monkey Cage, July 14 2019.

“The Volatile State of Greek Politics,” Foreign Affairs Snapshot, September 27 2017. (Translated and published in Foreign Affairs, The Hellenic Edition).

“The valuation process in the history of art,” Kathimerini, July 23 2017 (with Theo Michael). [In Greek]

“Between Trump and the Troika: Greece After the U.S. Election,” Foreign Affairs Snapshot, November 16, 2016 (with Akis Georgakellos). (Translated and published in Foreign Affairs, The Hellenic Edition).

“Never alone…Find the way,” Kathimerini, January 27 2016. [In Greek]

“One year with Alexis Tsipras in Power,” Efimerida ton Syntakton, January 26 2016. [In Greek]

“Greece just called new elections. Here’s the background you need to understand them,” The Washington Post blog, The Monkey Cage, August 20, 2015 (with Akis Georgakellos).

“The Agreekment That Could Break Europe: Euroskeptics, Eurocritics, and Life After the Bailout,” Foreign Affairs Snapshot, July 14, 2015. (Translated and published in the Japanese and Greek editions of Foreign Affairs).

“Tsipras’ Greek balancing act begins” The Washington Post blog, The Monkey Cage, February 3, 2015 (with Akis Georgakellos).

“Greece goes to the polls and Europe holds its breath,” The Washington Post blog, The Monkey Cage, January 24, 2015 (with Akis Georgakellos).

“Why everything is at stake and yet nothing will be decided in today’s Greek presidential election,” The Washington Post blog, The Monkey Cage, December 17, 2014 (with Akis Georgakellos).

“The Political Limits of Grecovery” The Washington Post blog, The Monkey Cage, July 31, 2014 (with Akis Georgakellos).

“Sand Dunes in the Greek Landscape: Party Politics and Political Coalitions in Times of Crisis,” The Monkey Cage, June 11 2013 (with Akis Georgakellos).

“The Promethean Dilemma in Third-Party Nation-Building,” The Monkey Cage, September 20, 2012 (with Keth Darden).

“Greek Elections and its Aftermath“, The Utopian, May 9, 2012 (with Akis Georgakellos).

“2012 Greek Parliamentary Elections: Post-Election Report”, The Monkey Cage, May 7, 2012.

“Pre-Election Report: 2012 Parliamentary Election”, The Monkey Cage, May 5, 2012.

“Regional multilateralism: The next paradigm in global affairs“, CNN.com, January 14, 2012 (with Emirhan Yorulmazlar).

“What really went wrong in Greece?“, CNN.com, November 20, 2011 (with Evan Liaras).

“Greece’s Legitimacy Crisis“, CNN.com, November 3 2011 (with Thomas Meaney).

“Are Greece’s Leaders Reckless or Bold?“, CNN.com, November 2 2011 (with Thomas Meaney).

“The end of peaceful protest?”, eKathimerini.com, July 5 2011.

“Analysis of Greece’s cabinet reshuffle”, CNN.com, June 17 2011.

“The Empire Strikes Back?“, eKathimerini.com, April 13 2011 (with Wilder Bullard).

“From possibility to austerity”, Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review, April 1 2011 (with Stephen Kaplan).

“Migration: Blessing or Curse?,” Kathimerini, February 20 2011 (with Stathis Kalyvas). [In Greek]

“This is no 1989 moment for the Arab world”, Guardian.co.uk, February 8 2011 (with Wilder Bullard).

“A Declaration of Dependence?”, Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review (Turkey), December 22 2010 (with Eric Grynaviski). Also appeared on various blogs including the The Utopian, Nationalities Blog, The Monkey Cage, and TransConflict  (also available in Serbian).

“An Iniquitous System,” Kathimerini, July 2 2010. [In Greek]

“Stopping ethnic pogroms in Kyrgyzstan,” Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review (Turkey), June 23 2010. A version of this article has appeared on The Monkey Cage and the Nationalities Blog (with Scott Radnitz).

“A Fist Full of Euros,” The Utopian, March 29 2010 (with Thomas Meaney).

“Does the eurozone need its own monetary fund?” The National Newspaper (Abu Dhabi), April 4 2010 (with James Raymond Vreeland). Reprinted in Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review (Turkey).

“Greece’s crisis, Germany’s gain,” Los Angeles Times, March 15 2010 (with Thomas Meaney). Reprinted  in The Sacramento Bee, The Plain Dealer,  The Bradenton Herald, Winnipeg Free Press (Canada), The National (Pakistan), Hürriyet (Turkey) and in Eleftherotypia (Greece).

“Co-ethnics, immigrants, and the electoral law,” Kathimerini, January 21 2010 (with Elpida Vogli). [In Greek]

“The Name Game,” Foreign Policy, July 23 2009 (with Thomas Meaney). Reprinted in Hürriyet (Turkey) and Newsweek Japan (in Japanese).

“The Pandora’s Box of Sovereignty,” Los Angeles Times, August 13th 2008 (with Thomas Meaney).Reprinted in Baltimore Sun and in Hürriyet (Turkey).

“Georgia a policy debacle for US,” The Age (Australia), August 13th 2008 (with Thomas Meaney). Reprinted in Brisbane Times (Australia).

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PRESENTATIONS

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INTERVIEWS

In English

Interview on Why the US 2024 Election is Too Close to Call with Petros Kasfikis from tovima.com (16 October 2024).

3rd September 2024, marked 50 years since Andreas Papandreou founded PASOK, a political party that came to play a key role in Greece from the restoration of democracy to the financial crisis. Thanos Davelis from the Greek Current podcast invited me to look into PASOK’s 50 year legacy, from its founding under the leadership of Andreas Papandreou to the challenges it faces today as it looks to redefine itself.

In July 2023, Greece celebrated 49 years since the restoration of democracy after seven years of military dictatorship. Thanos Davelis from the Greek Current podcast invited me to look at this historic moment and explore its legacy today (24 July 2023).

I analyze the reasons behind the growing trust in conservative and right-wing parties by citizens across Europe. Interview with Evi Kiori on EURACTIV’s podcast Beyond the Byline (1 June 2023).

I commented on Syriza’s defeat in the 2023 election, the resignation of Alexis Tsipras from Syriza’s leadership, and the future of the left in Greece in the wake of New Democracy’s massive victory. Interview with HALC’s Erini Kosmas, on the Greek Current podcast (30 June 2023).

Interview on my work on Fifth Columns on The Sigma Iota Rho Global Affairs Podcast, where I discuss the reasons behind the different ways that China has framed the Uyghurs as a ‘fifth column’ over time, as well as the question of whether or not we are entering into a period of increased fifth column rhetoric and politics (25 April 2023).

“How nations build and reinforce their influence,” interview by Dr. Jed Macosko, academic director of AcademicInfluence.com and professor of physics at Wake Forest University, December 2020.

Podcast: “The US Election: Turnout, Polarization, and Other Key Takeaways.” Interview by Thanos Davelis (Greek Current), November 6, 2020.

Podcast: “The Art of Leadership, Episode Eight.” Interviewed by Norman Sandridge (Howard University), August 2019.

Commented on the #Greek elections and political developments following @kmitsotakis’s victory and @tsipras_eu’s defeat for BBC’s  Up All Night (at minute 24), July 9, 2019.

Commented on US policy in Afghanistan, Los Angeles Times, August 22, 2017.

Interview with Voice of America on the Greek Referendum, July 6, 2015.

Interview with The Daily Report on AM950 Radio in Minneapolis, February 6, 2015.

Interview with Voice of America, “Greek Financial Crisis Tests EU Stability“, February 4, 2015.

Commented on the political developments in Greece, Wall Street Journal, December 23, 2014.

Interview with Greece in America Newsletter, March 2014.

Commented on the rise of the Golden Dawn in Greece for Ozy, November 14, 2013.

“Korea ‘lucky’ to have strong, large diaspora to draw upon,” JoongAng Daily, August 14, 2013.

Commented on the connections between Ancient Myths and the Greek crisis for the Associated Press. Also published on huffingtonpost.com, kathimerini.com, June 24, 2012.

Commented on the situation in Greece for the Associated Press. The article was reprinted in the Guardian, FoxNews.com, The Economic Times (India), among others, June 20, 2012.

Commented on the Greek election on Nightly Business Report, June 12, 2012.

Interview: “Eurozone Reforms Still Captive to Local Politics,” Context Q&A, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, May 24, 2012.

Commented on the polls in Greece, Wall Street Journal, May 28, 2012.

Commented on the situation in Greece on Nightly Business Report, May 14, 2012.

Commented on coalition talks in Greece, Wall Street Journal, May 8, 2012.

Commented on the rise of fringe parties in Greece and the May 6 election, Wall Street Journal, May 4, 2012.

Commented on the controversial and deeply unpopular austerity bill that Greek lawmakers passed to secure a second bailout on tbs eFM’s “This Morning” radio show, South Korea, February 13, 2012.

Commented on the Greek Prime Minister’s surprising calling of referendum on the Eurozone rescue plan on tbs eFM’s “This Morning” radio show, South Korea, November 6, 2011.

“Greeks in America React to Greek Financial Crisis,” Voice of America, May 10 2010.

“What_s in a name? Quite a lot actually_Fall 2009,” The Balkans-An International Affairs Forum Special Report, published by the Center for International Relations, Fall 2009, pp. 58-60.

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In Greek

I was interviewed by Nina Maria Paschalidou for Kathimerini about the results of the 2024 U.S. election (6 November 2024).

On November 4 and 5, 2024, I provided commentary on the 2024 U.S. elections for several TV networks, including, SKAI, ERT-Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation, MEGA, ANT1, ACTION 24 TV, OneTV, Proto Thema. I also contributed to radio programs such as Parapolitika.gr, Radio Me, and the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation’s First Program with radio producers Nefeli Ligerou and Dimitris Fanariotis; 6 Nov 2024; Talk Radio 98.9 with Fotini Pipili.

I was interviewed by Tania Bozaninou for To Vima about the influence of billionaires in US politics (3 November 2024).

I was interviewed by Nina Maria Paschalidou for Kathimerini about PASOK’s internal elections (11 October 2024).

I was interviewed by radio producers Nefeli Ligerou (11 September 2024), Dimitris Fanariotis (7 August 2024), Elena Karagianni (24 July 2024) and asked to comment on US political developments for the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation’s First Program.

I was interviewed by Tania Bozaninou and asked to comment on the parallels between the storming of the Brazilian Congress and presidential palace in January 2023 and the January 6th insurrection in Washington in 2020 for To Vima newspaper on January 15, 2022.

I was invited to comment on the 2022 midterm elections in the USA by Apostolos Mangiriadis in “Epilogue” on ERT-Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (at 31:03), November 3, 2022. On SKAI radio by Katerina Drakou on November 8 (at 23:25) and by Petros Kirkilis on November 13 (at 56:00). I was also interviewed by Tania Bozaninou for To Vima newspaper on November 13, 2022.

I was invited to comment on the crisis of national cohesion in the USA and the midterm elections by Giorgos Kouvaras in “Analyse to” on ERT-Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (at 35:04), September 14, 2022.

Interviewed by Vassilis Galoupis on the January 6, 2020 insurrection for Liberal.gr, January 8, 2020.

I was invited to comment on the crisis in USA-Turkish relations by Christos Pagonis and Vangelis Papadimitriou on ERT-Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (at 02:16:14), August 16, 2018.

On the occasion of the Greek translation of The Politics of Nation-Building by Epikentro publishing and the screening of my documentary Searching for Andreas I was invited at Amagi Radio to discuss both with Vivian Ethimiopoulou. Athens, 11 January 2018.

Commented on global developments on TV 100, February 20, 2017.

Interviewed by Kostas Raptis on Michael Flynn’s resignation for Athina 9,84 radio,  February 14, 2017.

I was invited to comment on Trump’s inauguration at Star Channel, January 27 2017.

Interviewed by Alexandra Voudouri on Trump’s inauguration for Athina 9,84 radio January 20, 2017.

I was invited to comment on the Cyprus issue at Star Channel, January 9, 2017.

I was invited to comment on Obama’s visit to Greece at Star Channel, November 17, 2016.

Commented on the outcome of the US elections for Athina 9.84 radio,
Vima FM, and SKAI TV (November 9 2016).

Interviewed by Kostas Raptis on the outcome of the US elections for Athina 9,84 radio November 8, 2016.

I was invited to comment on the proliferation of political parties in Greece since 2009 on Star Channel, May 12, 2016.

Invited to speak about Doctoral studies on Greek Public TV (ERT) on April 6, 2016.

Interviewed by Maria Anagnostidou at TV 100 on the Greek edition of my book April 4, 2016.

I was invited to comment on the recent refugee crisis in Europe and the terrorist attacks in Brussels at Mega Channel on March 27, 2016 (part I and II); and at Star Channel on April 1, 2016; March 24, 2016; March 16, 2016.

Interviewed by Thimis Tsiliopoulos on Athens 9,84  radio on the Greek edition of my book, March 23, 2016.

Interviewed by Thimis Tsiliopoulos on the Greek crisis for Athens 9,84 Radio, February 5, 2015.

Commented on Greek diaspora vote for Kathimerini, January 28, 2015.

“NATO Summit (Chicago, May 20-21, 2012)”, interview, TV 100, May 18 and May 22 2012.

Interviewed by Maria Psara, Ethnos, February 23 2012.

“EU and the Western Balkans”, interview TV100, December 21 2011.

“Greek Migration Policy”, interview Skai radio, August 1 2011.

“State-Minority relations [in the Balkans] will improve with the accession of these states in the EU and NATO” Voice of America, October 28 2010.

“Greek Universities did not make it in the list”, Skai TV, November 10, 2010.

In Korean

“거대한 해외 교민사회 존재는 한국에 큰 행운,” The JoongAng Sunday, August 11, 2013.

In Bulgarian

“СИРИЗА е наказание,” Преса, January 23, 2015.