The publication of this volume aims to contribute to the memory of a beloved university professor and colleague, a wonderful person and scientist, Professor Antonis Antonakopoulos, who unexpectedly left us.

The Hellenic Center for Political Research of the Panteion University, as a research institution, together with the conference dedicated to his memory (8/11/1995), took the initiative to publish this volume as a final tribute to Antonis Antonakopoulos, who, among other things, attached special importance to issues of modern political research and analysis.

Although he focused his scientific interests, even after active teaching, on political theory, in order to provide us with in-depth analyses of democracy and the political institutions of classical Greece, he nevertheless supported with great enthusiasm any idea of upgrading Political Science not only in the field of teaching but also in research.

In particular, he envisioned the formation of a modern political science in our country, where its autonomy from other traditional sciences had been delayed and was necessary. That is why he always advocated the introduction of new knowledge subjects in teaching, which broaden the modern problematization and enrich the tools of political analysis.

It is not accidental that Antonis Antonakopoulos felt happy about the establishment of the Hellenic Center for Political Research, and if he were alive today, he would embrace and support with the same zeal the realization of his research goals.

For all these reasons and in respect for his memory, we dedicate this volume.

(from the preface by Kleomenis Koutsoukis)