Surplus Citizens

This book analyzes grassroots movements in Greece, exploring their resilience and challenges during a significant political and economic crisis. Surplus Citizens offers valuable insights.

In Surplus Citizens, Dimitra Kotouza explores the resilience of grassroots movements in Greece amidst severe political and economic challenges. The book delves into the varied responses to the crisis, ranging from the hope surrounding Syriza's electoral success to the disillusionment with the EU's rigid policies. Kotouza argues that the national framing of social struggles has often hindered genuine transformative action, yet it has also been contested by emerging grassroots initiatives.

The author examines how the marginalization of subordinate classes in Greece reflects a broader global trend, emphasizing the intersection of race and gender within these movements. By analyzing diverse forms of activism—such as the square movements, neighborhood assemblies, and labor protests—Surplus Citizens reveals both the strengths and limitations of collective identity in the face of crisis. The book highlights the importance of recognizing internal disputes within movements as a source of transformative potential, rather than adhering to a singular identity.

Ultimately, Surplus Citizens presents a compelling argument for understanding the Greek experience as part of a larger narrative about collective action in a world grappling with economic instability, nationalism, and the rise of neo-fascism. Kotouza's insights encourage readers to rethink the dynamics of grassroots activism and its implications for social change on a global scale.