American foreign policy and the Greek Revolution

The 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution constitutes a good opportunity for Greece and the US to celebrate their historical friendship. The Greek and American struggles for independence were marked by similar causes and ideals. The material not only points to older research but also facilitates the realization of new studies. Meetings and exchanges that took place between Adamantios Korais and Thomas Jefferson, for example, have aroused the intellectual curiosity of historians who are re-energized during this special year.

In a period during which Greek-American relations are witnessing new heights, the analysis of the Greek War of Independence from Ottoman rule could also boost the study of American Studies in Greece, and perhaps beyond. It has the potential to reveal some of the roots of the philosophical debate about US foreign policy. There are particular schools of...