A Hellenic Perspective on Law, Governance and Global Security

For Dimitrios Skiadas, joining Fletcher as the new Constantine G. Karamanlis Chair of Hellenic and European Studies feels like coming full circle.

Growing up in Greece in the 1970s and ’80s, Skiadas became fascinated by the role of the European Union at the national and international levels. Greece joined the E.U. in 1981 despite vocal objections throughout Europe due to the country’s economic conditions, and Karamanlis, who was then president, has been credited with this accomplishment. 

“Karamanlis has been one of the most prominent statesmen, not only in Greece, but also in Europe after the Second World War,” Skiadas explained. “Personally, I have kept files on Karamanlis’s work. He is one of the people that has influenced me most.” 

An expert on E.U. law, governance and policy, Skiadas has built his career on examining how the E.U. operates, formulates and implements policies, and seeks to strengthen international security and advance human rights. 

An Integrated Approach to International Relations

At Fletcher, Skiadas will focus on E.U. and United States relations in the 21st century, examining how institutional differences, such as approaches to federalism, shape the E.U. and U.S.’s interactions on the global stage.  

“I am looking at the current situation we have in Ukraine, how it might be resolved and what kind of participation this resolution would require from both American and European actors,” Skiadas said. 

For Skiadas, this kind of research requires an integrated approach – one that accounts for the political, legal and economic dimensions of global affairs. 

“We have to set the political goals, formulate the legal framework and then try to find the financial means to secure the goal through the framework,” Skiadas said. “It’s not always easy.” 

The Interdisciplinary Nature of Corruption 

In addition to his research on transatlantic affairs, Skiadas closely studies corruption, an area of interest also influenced by Karamanlis who he says was strict in cracking down on corruption in Greece. As a certified fraud examiner, Skiadas brings a practical lens to teaching what he describes as the “four Cs” of corruption – concept, cause, consequence and countermeasure.

Teaching in both England and Greece, his students have come from fields as varied as law, politics, economics, journalism and computer science. Their enthusiasm for analyzing corruption amazes him. 

“I’ve noticed that students, regardless of their background, are very interested in learning about corruption and fraud,” Skiadas said. “They want to know how their money is being spent by elected officials. This accountability, based on political analysis, excites them.” 

“Some students have even asked me how they can become certified fraud examiners themselves,” he added.

Bridging Academic Worlds 

Looking ahead, Skiadas is excited to foster stronger connections between Greek and American academia. 

“The U.S. has a much more hands-on policy regarding students,” he said. “In the U.S., students are much more actively involved, and I like that.”

At the same time, he sees room for growth in how the two cultures engage with each other’s scholarship. 

“While there is a lot of knowledge in the U.S. about Ancient Greece and Greek history, there seems to be limited interest in contemporary Greek academia and research,” he explained. 

Skiadas will teach a course that examines the E.U.’s position relative to the U.S. as well as another on his unique specialty: corruption. 

During his tenure as chair, Skiadas hopes to develop a joint institute of research between Fletcher and several Greek Institutions. He also believes that translating more Greek analysis into English might help bridge the gap.

“I want to use this opportunity to bring these cultures of thinking closer,” Skiadas said. “It would be beneficial to both.” 

Read more about Fletcher’s Master of Arts in Transatlantic Affairs degree program.