Understanding the Crisis in Greece

MICHAEL MITSOPOULOS is Co-ordinator of Research and Analysis at the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises, Greece. He has previously worked in the Greek financial sector and has held governmental positions. He has taught as an appointed lecturer at the Economic University of Athens and the University of Piraeus.  THEODORE PELAGIDIS is an advisor to the Greek Finance Minister, and Professor of Economic Analysis at Piraeus University, Greece. He is also a senior professorial fellow at the Hellenic Observatory, London School of Economics and Political Science, UK.

• Introduction Vikings in Greece: Rents, the Design of the Greek Political System and the Blockage of Reforms Corruption, Policy Inadequacy and the Greek Constitution Efficiency and Quality of Justice in Greece Strong Growth and Weak Institutions: The Greek Paradox Re-considered Epilogue: The 2010-11 Greek Economic Crisis and the Conditionality Program

'A wide-ranging, thorough and fascinating account of the economic challenges facing Greece.' - James K Galbraith, University of Texas, USA'This book is the first focused attempt to bring the whole story of Greece's economy into the public domain. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the last 15 years and a first-class and very timely analysis for those wishing to know the economic and institutional pathologies that led the Greek economy to the tragic free fall. It is actually a required reading for all those wishing to know what has actually gone wrong in the Greek Economy.' - Philip Arestis, University of Cambridge, UK'An extremely timely book as it demonstrates convincingly that the pathologies of the Greek economy have broader political implications.' - Christos P. Ioannides, Queens College, USA'This is Freakonomics meets the Greek crisis. It is an original, penetrating and broad analysis of the problems of the Greek system. The diagnosis is compelling. The solutions are provocative. It is a timely leap forward in the debate on the future.' - Kevin Featherstone, London School of Economics and Political Science, UK'A scathing account of Greece's economic implosion.' - New York Times'An acclaimed book on the Greek crisis...and its past, present and future impact on the Eurozone and across the Globe' -Justin Vaisse, The Brookings Institution'An indispensable explication of the country where Europe's debt crisis was born.' - Helena Smith, The Guardian