Greece

PEACE in the Country

Greece is a country with a population of almost 11 million. Famous for their architecture in Athens and the Greek Isles in the past, they have more recently been known for their money problems. Despite all this, there is still a large people movement on the ground to create a better future within the country.

One such movement is the potato movement, which is gaining ground and also empowering local communities. It is selling their potatoes at local markets, outside of the system and for much cheaper. The markets have expanded to include many other products, and all this is happening in an area with 50% unemployment. Here is an interesting article highlighting this movement:

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2012/06/2012611102126662269.html

Another movement happening in Greece is the Anti-Authoritarian Movement (AK), which aims to “support local struggles against the catastrophic and exploitative choices of the state and capital”. An interesting interview with one of its members can be found here:

http://libcom.org/news/greek-anarchists-anarchist-movement-greece-17012013

This organization is important because it realizes the corruption and unsustainability of the current system and government. They organize various protests as well as large campaigns, such as the VioMe factory. This a factory where the workers are fighting to take over the factory themselves and run it in a self-organized way. Mainly their movement is finding an alternative way of organizing society at a more local level and its catching on.

Below is an interesting video that highlights some of the anti-authoritarian movements and marches. This one focuses on the collective memory of a youth shooting from 2008 and the subsequent rise in the AK movement:

What I really like about these movements is that it is a display of strategic nonviolent action, similar to what I presented in my seminar “Unraveling North Korea”. These kind of movements have historically been found to be more successful than violent uprisings, not only in making a difference in the present, but in creating a more equitable and peaceful future.

And now for a delicious Greek Cheese Pie!!

PEACE with a Piece of Food

Tiropita (Greek Cheese Pie)

1 pastry crust or phyllo dough (about 16′ x 16′)

400 g feta (can be mixed with other cheeses if this is too strong)

3/4 c. plain greek yogurt

4 eggs

2 tbsp dill

Preheat oven to 220 degrees Celsius.

First, cut up the dill. Then, in a large mixing bowl mix the yogurt, feta cheese, eggs and dill. Add salt and pepper to taste. Make sure they are really mixed together.

Now, grease the pan and lay the pastry crust on the bottom, hopefully you will have pastry crust hanging over the edges of the pan. Pour the cheese mixture on top of the pastry crust. Any pastry crust hanging over the sides of the pan, gently fold over and on top of the mixture, if done gently it should not sink: