Ελληνοαυστραλιανές σχέσεις : ο ρόλος της ελληνικής ομογένειας και η ελληνική εξωτερική πολιτική

Σαϊτάνη, Χρυσούλα

Master Thesis

Author

Σαϊτάνη, Χρυσούλα

Date

2026

Abstract

The Greek community in Australia constitutes one of the most significant and well-organized communities of the Greek diaspora, playing an important role in Greek-Australian relations. This study examines the role of the Greek community in Australia in relation to Greek foreign policy and its ability to function as a non-state actor with political and social influence. The study uses both the terms “homogeneia” and “diaspora,” with the former referring mainly to the institutional relationship between Greeks abroad and the Greek state, while the latter is employed as a theoretical analytical tool within International Relations and diaspora studies. In addition, the study analyzes the historical development, social integration, and institutional organization of the Greek community in Australia, as well as the mechanisms through which it exercises political influence, including community organizations, lobbying networks, and parliamentary representation. Particular emphasis is placed on the Cyprus issue and the Macedonian issue as case studies, since they constitute two of the most significant and long-standing issues of Greek foreign policy. Their selection is based on the fact that both cases generated strong mobilization within the Greek community in Australia through collective action, public interventions, and political lobbying. Furthermore, these issues are closely connected to national identity, historical memory, and the preservation of ties between the diaspora and Greece, thus allowing a better understanding of how diaspora communities may influence public discourse and function as agents of soft power within the host country. The study concludes that the Greek community in Australia can contribute to the strengthening of Greek foreign policy through public diplomacy, political influence, and soft power, without, however, determining the strategic choices of Australian foreign policy.

Postgraduate Studies Programme

Διεθνείς και Ευρωπαϊκές Σπουδές

Department

Σχολή Οικονομικών, Επιχειρηματικών και Διεθνών Σπουδών. Τμήμα Διεθνών και Ευρωπαϊκών Σπουδών

Number of pages

Language

Greek

URI

https://dione.lib.unipi.gr/xmlui/handle/unipi/19349

Collections

Τμήμα Διεθνών και Ευρωπαϊκών Σπουδών

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Except where otherwise noted, this item's license is described as
Αναφορά Δημιουργού-Μη Εμπορική Χρήση-Όχι Παράγωγα Έργα 3.0 Ελλάδα