Tracing the history of Greece in the period 1945-2000, this introduction takes an analytical and chronological approach. Frequent comparisons are made with countries of western Europe and with other Balkan countries, in order to show how Greece converged with Western Europe and in what ways it remained unique or characteristically Balkan.

The only history of Greece in English to be devoted to the period 1945-2000, and the first book to analyse the important developments since 1990, this introduction takes an analytical as well as chronological approach. Frequent comparisons are made with countries of western Europe (especially Italy, Portugal and Spain) and with other Balkan countries, in order to show how Greece converged with Western Europe and in what ways it remained unique or characteristically Balkan. It assumes no previous knowledge of the subject.

'extremely well sourced, detailed and very readable....masterful work' Nicholas Doumanis, University of South Wales, Australian Journal of Politics and History 'the best intoduction to the post-war economy and politics in Greece in the English language.' Polymeris Voglis, University of Thessaly, History ''The consequences of the Civil War were far-reaching, and David H. Close in his 'Greece since 1945 provides an excellent survey of the political, economic adn social changes in postwwar Greece. Journal of Contemporary History Vol 40 No 2 'His task was to provide a clear, well-informed introduction to the different ways in which Greek society, politics and economics have changed in the post-war years. In his delivery, he has succeeded to an impressive degree.' The Anglo-Hellenic Review, Spring 2005