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Radio in and around Greece, 1937–61: Cultural politics and literary cultures
  • ISSN: 2052-3971
  • E-ISSN: 2052-398X

Abstract

The period from 1941 to 1944 in Greece has received extensive scholarly attention, yet pro-Axis propaganda remains a substantially underexplored area. Particularly the discourses disseminated via radio during this time have hardly been examined – a gap that mirrors the inadequate study of Greek radio history. Of special significance among these discourses were those related to culture. Themes such as German and Italian cultural excellence, the historical ties between the occupying countries and Greece or the reverence for ancient Greek culture expressed by Axis officials were strategically employed on Athens Radio Station. This article aims to illuminate the main themes and key actors involved in relevant radio propaganda. It contextualizes this discussion within the broader historical framework of domestic developments in Greece as well as the rhetoric surrounding the Axis-led New Order and the supposed struggle for the defence of European culture. This article argues that these culture-related narratives and themes served the purpose of legitimizing and even incentivizing collaborationism.

Funding
This study was supported by the:
  • The Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation
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2024-12-26
2025-04-19
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