Solidarity in Greece and the Management of Difference

Abstract

After the imposition of austerity measures in response to the Greek debt crisis, and the subsequent refugee crisis of 2015, Greece has emerged as a site for experiments in and demonstrations of both internal and transnational forms of “solidarity.” International activists and volunteers have sought to demonstrate solidarity with Greece and Greeks. Meanwhile, the presence of refugees in Greece has generated extensive citizens’ initiatives and responses, through which many Greek nationals themselves—even under the burden of austerity—have sought to show solidarity with refugees. This chapter explores the multiple and sometimes conflicting meanings of solidarity with and in Greece and the dilemma of confronting and managing difference that simultaneously haunts and constitutes such initiatives.