1) What is liberalism for you and what made you join the movement and set your career on it?
To me, liberalism goes hand in hand with liberty. It is the liberty to live my life the way that I choose, as long as I am not harming other individuals; the liberty to pursue my dreams in an environment that is hospitable to such a pursuit; and the liberty to be part of an open society that is receptive of new ideas, and welcoming of all individuals–regardless of race, religious affiliation, gender, or sexual identification. As such, my liberty is firmly entrenched in that of others; it is not possible to live in a liberal society when others are not afforded the same basic human rights of tolerance, and the ability to pursue my dreams, that I have been afforded.
2) What are the biggest challenges for classical liberalism at this moment and how can we as liberals fight them?
Classical liberalism resides in a complicated crosshairs, particularly in the United States. The term “liberal” in U.S. political jargon is, for all intents and purposes, used to define individuals who believe in personal liberty, and yet welcome stifling governmental oversight. On the other hand, although those that are categorized as “conservatives” are staunch defenders of the free market and the economic vitality that it engenders–but often seek to eradicate social liberties of women, individuals of color, and the LGBT community. Therefore one of the biggest challenges is reclaiming the title of “liberalism” and promoting the idea that it is possible to adhere to free market principles while letting individuals live their lives as they would like, and being open and accepting to all types of people.
3) Do you believe that there is room for liberalism in Greece?
I do. If there is anything the hardships of the past years have taught us, is that the stifling of free market forces and governmental corruption ultimately cripple societies. This has affected all of Greece, but I see particular promise among the youth: a generation that is having to pay for circumstances it didn’t cause.Yet I also believe–and it has been documented–that these dire circumstances have perhaps inadvertently tapped into the entrepreneurial spirit that is inherent to Greeks (as evidenced by the generations of Greek-American small business owners in the U.S.). Young Greeks that did not move abroad are increasingly doing what they can to support themselves through entrepreneurship–whether from opening coffee shop co-ops or tutoring people who want to learn Greek via Skype–which helps revitalize the economy and strengthen the perception that a free market is key to economic growth and personal fulfillment.
4) Where do you see Greece in 2021?
2021 is in just a few short years. Real, tangible, widespread change takes longer to really take form and manifest itself. We are talking about very stubborn societal foundations that need to be dismantled. But, I believe as the younger generations continue to feel the ramifications of the economic crisis–both through their own experiences, and those of their parents and loved ones–the years to come will contain an environment in which the ideas of classical liberalism can truly be tapped in to and embraced.
5) As a member of the Greek diaspora what are the best practises that Greece can adapt from the U.S?
The U.S. is certainly far from perfect in many regards, and particularly under the current political climate. However, I would say one of the key things that Greece can learn from the U.S. is the idea of inclusion. Certainly Greece is still far more homogeneous ethnically than the U.S. However, as minority groups in Greece grow, it’s important to embrace these individuals who are all searching for a version of the American dream–but in Greece. That is, they want to escape the hardship of their countries or origin and be able to build good lives for themselves and their families. By not embracing these individuals into the workforce, Greece is excluding a large swath of potential talent. The same can be said (albeit for a lesser degree) for Greek women. Although there are still troubling disparities in the U.S. when it comes to women in the workforce (particularly women in leadership positions) the fact that these conversations are being had out in the open, in the press, and amongst political figures is important. Greece needs to start having these conversations, which will, hopefully, eventually lead to a larger representation of women and minorities in the workforce. Few things are more detrimental to a robust economy than untapped–or overlooked–potential. This of course goes into more intricate discussions of racism and sexism, but the first step to triggering change is having these discussions. America is at least having them; Greece should follow suit.
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