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.

Fifth Column Rhetoric and 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.

📄 Op-eds & Essays

2023

• Foreign Policy — “An Election Won’t End Greece’s Troubles” (with Akis Georgakellos)
• Kathimerini.gr — “Nur’s Magic Brush: A Critique of Arbitrary Power, for kids” [In Greek]

2022

• Foreign Affairs — “The Disturbing Return of the Fifth Column” (with Scott Radnitz)
• Washington Post — “Putin’s warning about Russian ‘fifth columns’ has a long, sordid lineage” (with Scott Radnitz)

2021

• GW Magazine — “The Future of ‘New Nationalism'”
• Kathimerini — “USA’s existential dilemma” [In Greek]

2020

• Cambridge Core Blog — “Belarus: A Glimmer of Hope?” (with Volha Charnysh)

2019

• Washington Post — “After a decade of crisis, Greek politics are turning normal and more technocratic”

2017

• Foreign Affairs — “The Volatile State of Greek Politics”
• Kathimerini — “The valuation process in the history of art” (with Theo Michael) [In Greek]

2016

• Foreign Affairs — “Between Trump and the Troika: Greece After the U.S. Election” (with Akis Georgakellos)
• Kathimerini — “Never alone…Find the way” [In Greek]

2015

• Washington Post — “Greece just called new elections” (with Akis Georgakellos)
• Foreign Affairs — “The Agreekment That Could Break Europe”
• Washington Post — “Tsipras’ Greek balancing act begins” (with Akis Georgakellos)
• Washington Post — “Greece goes to the polls and Europe holds its breath” (with Akis Georgakellos)

Earlier op-eds (2008–2014) in CNN, Foreign Policy, LA Times, Guardian, and others are available in the full CV.

🎙️ Interviews & Media Appearances

In English

2024

• tovima.com — Why the US 2024 Election is Too Close to Call (Petros Kasfikis, October 2024)
• Kathimerini — On PASOK’s 50th anniversary and Papandreou’s legacy (September 2024)
• Greek Current — On 49 years since the restoration of democracy in Greece (July 2023)

2023

• EURACTIV — On growing trust in conservative and right-wing parties across Europe (Evi Kiori)
• Greek Current — On Syriza’s defeat and the future of the Greek left
• Sigma Iota Rho Podcast — On Fifth Columns and China’s treatment of diaspora communities

2019 – 2022

• AcademicInfluence.com — “How nations build and reinforce their influence” (December 2020)
• Greek Current — “The US Election: Turnout, Polarization, and Other Key Takeaways” (November 2020)
• BBC — On Greek elections following Mitsotakis victory, Up All Night (July 2019)
• Los Angeles Times — On US policy in Afghanistan (August 2017)

2014 – 2015

• Voice of America — On the Greek Referendum (July 2015); on the Greek Financial Crisis (February 2015)
• Wall Street Journal — On political developments in Greece (December 2014)
• Ozy — On the rise of Golden Dawn in Greece (November 2013)

Additional appearances on Associated Press, Nightly Business Report, and others (2010–2013) available in full CV.

In Greek

2024

• Kathimerini — On the 2024 U.S. election results (Nina Maria Paschalidou, November 2024)
• SKAI, ERT, ANT1, Alpha TV, Open TV — Live commentary on 2024 U.S. elections (November 4–5)
• To Vima — On billionaires’ influence in US politics (Tania Bozaninou, November 2024)
• Kathimerini — On PASOK’s internal elections (October 2024)
• Multiple radio — On 50 years of PASOK and Greek-American relations (Summer/Fall 2024)

2022 – 2023

• ERT — On the 2022 midterms in the USA (Epilogue, Apostolos Mangiriadis)
• ERT — On national cohesion in the USA (Analyse to, Giorgos Kouvaras)
• Liberal.gr — On the January 6 insurrection (Vassilis Galoupis, January 2021)

2017

• Star Channel — On Trump’s inauguration; on the Cyprus issue
• Athina 9,84 radio — On Michael Flynn’s resignation

Earlier Greek-language appearances (2012–2016) available in full CV.