The Political Science and International Relations program of the Division of Humanities and Social Sciences has established a research partnership with Northeastern University London. ACT faculty Dr. Christos Aliprantis, Dr. Maria Kyriakidou, and Dr. Oliver Ayers from NUL have successfully applied for a Leverhulme Trust/British Academy small research grant. The grant will last from August 2025 to August 2026 and explore the shifting influence from the UK to the USA in Civil War Greece (1946-49) and how this process manifested and impacted Thessaloniki. The project shall investigate how Great Power dynamics affected frontline regions in the emerging Cold War context through the example of Thessaloniki and Northern Greece. 

As it wraps up its 25th anniversary season of public service initiatives this semester, the Dukakis Center has returned to hosting short-term visiting fellows from select partner institutions for short periods. The Center's first such visitor was Dr. James Quirk, Professorial Lecturer in Politics at American University (AU), who spent the first week of March 2025 in residence.

The Dukakis Chair's original function was to host a visiting academic or practitioner for an extended period, even a full academic term. Thus, ACT hosted former White House Science Advisor Eugene Skolnikoff of MIT (Fall 2000) and James Veras, sometime Corporate Vice President of Ford Motor Company and founding President of the World Environment Center (Fall 2001). When it was recognized that this practice of hosting long-term fellows was unworkable, it became the practice to host short-term fellows, who were occasionally offered accommodation on campus in the Morley House attic. Among those visiting ACT in this capacity were Suhnaz Yilmaz of Koç University, Alan Cafruny of Hamilton College, Richard Katula of Northeastern University, retired US Ambassador to Greece Monteagle Stearns, and retired US Ambassador to Senegal Harriet Elam-Thomas.

Later, after the Chair had been transformed into a collegiate center, local figures of some renown were invited to serve as Dukakis Professor, most notably Simon Benssason, who recently retired from the European Commission. Several guests have conducted Dukakis Masterclasses since 2014, including Michael Dukakis himself. 

Having emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2023-24, the timing was considered ripe to resume hosting colleagues short-term from select partner schools such as Northeastern and American Universities, in order in part to enhance these institutional partnerships.
As fortune would have it, the Dukakis Center hosted three interns from American University in 2023-24. One of them, Jack Roberts, was invited to canvas and identify faculty at AU who might be of interest to the Center as short-term fellows (4-8 days). Dr. Quirk was selected notably for his experience studying Balkan politics (he taught for a year in Bulgaria) and his capacity as a student of comparative politics to speak meaningfully about both American and European politics.
During his residence, Dr. Quirk made an impromptu visit to Dr. Wisner's course in applied ethics to join a comparative discussion on the ethics of Hobbes' social contract theory and Realist IR theory. He then featured in Dr. Mavrikos's European Studies 211 class for a wide-ranging debate on foreign policy making in the US and the EU.
Finally, Dr. Quirk had dinner at the Queen Olga residence hall with a dozen AU study abroad students currently attending classes at ACT, an outing facilitated by ACT's student services department. Earlier, he had met with ACT Provost Stamos Karamouzis for a review of the ACT-AU study abroad partnership.
Dr. Quirk is the first of two colleagues from American University to be invited to help celebrate the Dukakis Center's silver jubilee season of public service initiatives this year. Later this spring, on April 30, Professor Sarah Snyder of AU's School of Global Service will deliver a Dukakis Lecture on the educational activities of American civilian expats in late Ottoman Asia Minor.

Dr. David Wisner, Executive Director, Michael and Kitty Dukakis Center for Public and Humanitarian Service, ACT, Dukakis Center, with Dr. James Quirk, Professorial Lecturer in Politics at American University (AU)

 The terms of coexistence between real estate market and tourism were highlighted at the 8th Conference of the ACT (American College of Thessaloniki) Academic Program in Tourism and Hospitality, which took place on 4 April 2025 at Capsis Hotel Thessaloniki.
The Conference focused on the impact of real estate on tourism infrastructure and services, the development of areas that are off the tourist map, and the shaping of a region's identity based on real estate strategies. The impact of primary and holiday home business development on existing tourism businesses was also discussed, as well as how the Golden Visa institution affects tourism development and the demography of regions - especially the outermost regions. In addition, the need to balance investment interests, sustainability, and the protection of local communities and the environment was highlighted.
The Conference brought together leading professionals from the tourism, real estate development, and investment sectors, presented research and case studies, and discussed the challenges and opportunities arising from cooperation between the two sectors. Opening remarks were delivered by: Anestis Anastasiou, Coordinator of the Academic Programs in Tourism and Hospitality at ACT (American College of Thessaloniki), Dr. Nikos Hourvouliades, Director of the ACT Entrepreneurship Center, and Dr. Prodromos Monastiridis, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Thessaloniki Convention Bureau.

Anestis Anastasiou, Assistant Professor, ACT, Coordinator, Hospitality & Tourism programs

Saudi Arabia: Strategy to Attract 150 Million Tourists by 2030

Intending to attract 150 million tourists by 2030, Saudi Arabia is setting ambitious targets to increase the tourism sector's contribution to its GDP, reaching 16%. As Konstantinos Dendrinos, Chief Executive Officer, Nesaj Real Estate Co., Saudi Arabia, pointed out in an online webcast, Saudi Arabia has realized the importance of diversifying or "decoupling" the country from oil production, as it recognizes that natural resources are not inexhaustible. Thus, it has already launched major tourism projects to make it attractive to foreign visitors. In 2015, Saudi Arabia welcomed 64.5 million tourists, with 90% choosing it for pilgrimage purposes, while in 2021, the number of tourists increased to 67.3 million. In the same year, Saudi Arabia launched $1 trillion in investments to develop tourism infrastructure, focusing on developing five-star hotels and luxury villas. 

According to the International Monetary Fund, 2034, Saudi Arabia's GDP is expected to reach three trillion dollars, up from one trillion dollars in 2023, with tourism accounting for 16% of its economy. Another important point mentioned by Mr. Dendrinos is the adaptation of the Saudis to the needs of the tourism sector. Since providing services to tourists is not a tradition for the country, a training program has already been launched to train the local population to meet the new needs arising from the development of the tourism sector and the reception of foreign visitors.

The Importance of Geography in Tourism and Real Estate Development

"Tourism has two pillars: geography and marketing. Until now, we have mainly paid attention to the latter. But the time has come to highlight the importance of the first," said George Zografos, PhD, Property Development Consultant, Adjunct Professor in Tourism, Hellenic Open University. Northern Greece's proximity to the Balkans and Eurasia allows it to make the most of the advantages of the neighboring relationship, Mr. Zografos noted. As he stated,

in 2024 foreign investments—mainly from neighboring countries Bulgaria and Romania—amounted to €3 billion in the region, compared to €2.133 billion in 2023. He emphatically highlighted that total investments during the period 2015–2024 reached €153.1 billion. He noted that investors are typically between 40 and 60 years old, with 50% investing in the apartment market. He made special mention of Porto Heli in the Peloponnese, emphasizing that it continues to attract a significant number of major real estate investors. He also estimated that nearby islands and areas, such as Spetses, are likely to benefit soon as well.

The purchase of residential property by visitors wishing to invest in their holiday destination is highly attractive to prospective owners, as they evaluate it as an investment opportunity by subletting it when they do not use it. However, this also puts pressure on existing tourism businesses operating under a more binding and strictly regulated legal regime. In addition, interference with the natural environment and landscape, which is the main reason for visitors, may undermine the tourism product. Mr. Zografos referred in particular to Northern Greece and the increased purchases by foreign citizens, especially in areas such as Halkidiki, Pieria, and Thrace. However, the use of the Golden Visa program also raises concerns, especially with the massive purchase of real estate by foreigners in border areas such as Thrace.

George Zografos, PhD, Property Development Consultant, Adjunct Professor in Tourism, Hellenic Open University, Griroris Avanidis, Head of Press & Communication, Kourtidis Group, Stefan Merkenhof, Director of Tourism & Leisure, CBRE Atria, Managing Consultant, GBR Consulting, Tasos Andreadis, Chief Executive Officer, STANTA S.A.

Theme Parks and Investments in Greece

Griroris Avanidis, Head of Press & Communication, Kourtidis Group, spoke about the attractiveness and prospects of Theme Parks in Greece and their lagging development compared to Europe. He stressed that this is also the reason for the high investment interest of foreign and Greek investors. "We expect a boom of specific projects in our country, and in Northern Greece, with multiple benefits," Griroris Avanidis noted, presenting the new major project of Kourtidis Group, "Alexander Theme Park." This is the first educational/entertainment Theme Park worldwide dedicated to the life and career of Alexander the Great. Work will begin in 2026 between Kavala and Serres, near Amphipolis. "The excavation of the tumulus Kasta, and the undeniable fact that important parts of the history of Alexander the Great took place in that place, is a very good opportunity to create a Theme Park, the first in the world that will be dedicated to him," stated Mr. Avanidis. He added that real estate helps create a tourism product in off-the-map areas, such as the East Kavala region, "which currently lives in the shadow of the prominent tourist area of West Kavala but will soon attract attention and gain added value."

The Development of the Hotel Market in Thessaloniki

The hotel market in Greece and, especially in Thessaloniki, continues to grow steadily, said Stefan Merkenhof, Director of Tourism & Leisure of CBRE Atria and Managing Consultant of GBR Consulting, during the presentation of a relevant survey. Particularly impressive, he pointed out, is the trend towards five-star hotels, which are gaining more and more ground in the market, while hotels with fewer stars seem to be on the decline.
Mr. Merkenhof said that by 2024, 4,600 hotel units will be registered in Greece, with 151 of them located in Thessaloniki. Of the hotels in Thessaloniki, 50% are in the city center. He pointed out that the Greek market is characterized by a diverse and competitive landscape, with large international chains, Greek brands, and local entrepreneurs. In his remarks, Mr. Merkenhof highlighted the boom in the construction and sale of apartments to foreign citizens, an activity that is now competing with traditional hotel units.

Tourism as a driver of regional development

"This season is developing positively and confirms the role of tourism as a key pillar of GDP, with particular importance for regions that do not have other development opportunities," noted Tasos Andreadis, Chief Executive Officer, STANTA S.A., stressing that tourism activity distributes economic growth more fairly across the territory. Properties in remote or less developed areas are now being exploited more creatively and productively, giving new impetus to local communities. He stressed that short-term rentals are not necessarily competitive with existing tourist units as long as they are subject to a clear legal framework and rules.
"When visitors choose a destination, they 'consume' all the local products and services, favoring other businesses," he said. He underlined the challenges for the natural environment, especially in areas of intense tourism development. This debate now concerns Greece, having started from countries such as Spain, where the effects of over-saturation are visible both in the environment and in urban areas. According to him, there is a need to shift the tourist flow towards less saturated destinations, reducing environmental pressures.
Mr. Andreadis stressed the need to create modern business spaces in Thessaloniki and throughout the country. He also noted that the operation of non-state universities would very soon highlight the need to implement projects on campuses, dining, and recreation areas.

George Zografos, PhD, Property Development Consultant, Adjunct Professor in Tourism, Hellenic Open University, Tasos Andreadis, Chief Executive Officer, STANTA S.A., Anestis Anastasiou, Assistant Professor, ACT, Coordinator, Hospitality & Tourism programs, Stefan Merkenhof, Director of Tourism & Leisure, CBRE Atria, Managing Consultant, GBR Consulting, Griroris Avanidis, Head of Press & Communication, Kourtidis Group

Following the centennial of the establishment of Anatolia College in Thessaloniki, and to commemorate its 25th anniversary season of public service initiatives, the Michael and Kitty Dukakis Center for Public and Humanitarian Service at ACT has invited Sarah B. Snyder, Professor of Global Inquiry at American University in Washington, DC, to deliver the Spring 2025 Dukakis Lecture.

Building Schools Abroad: American Expats as Informal Diplomats
Wednesday, April 30, 6 PM
Emilios Riadis Hall - Helexpo

SIGN UP HERE

The lecture will be based on Professor Snyder’s forthcoming book, “Unofficial Diplomats,” which illustrates how private American citizens shaped the place of the United States in the world throughout the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, serving as unofficial diplomats, representing the United States when formal relations did not exist or functioning as informal ambassadors to foreign communities alongside official U.S. representatives. Of particular interest to Anatolia College stakeholders are the efforts of expat Americans to create schools, colleges, and other cultural institutions in Greece and Ottoman Asia Minor.

The lecture will place in context the transformation which took place when Anatolia migrated to Thessaloniki, and will elucidate the efforts of American expats - missionaries and secular figures alike who contributed, and continue to contribute, to the school’s well being and renown. The event will also be an opportunity to take stock of the many lectures and other extracurricular activities which have contributed to forging Anatolia’s unique identity over the decades.

Joining Professor Snyder for post-lecture discussion will be representatives of Anatolia College, the American Farm School, and the American School of Classical Studies, all of which constitute the types of institutions created by American expats in a formative period of US foreign relations.

Evi Tramanza, Anatolia College
Damiana Koutsomiha, American Farm School
Natalia Vogeikoff-Brogan, American School for Classical Studies in Athens

The lecture will be in English and is open to the general public. Please use the sign up link above to reserve your seat.

Address inquiries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About our speaker

Sarah B. Snyder is a historian who specializes in the influence of non-state actors such as human rights activists and expatriates on U.S. foreign relations. She is the author of prize-winning scholarship, including four books and numerous scholarly articles. Her current research studies the influence of expatriates on U.S. foreign relations in such places as the late Ottoman Near East. In addition to her current position at AU, she has taught and lectured at UCL, Yale, and Georgetown. Professor Snyder is a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations

About the Dukakis Center

Named in honor of former Governor of Massachusetts (and Greek-American) Michael Dukakis, the Dukakis Center is an independent, non-partisan administrative unit of the American College of Thessaloniki, the university division of Anatolia College. The primary mission of the Dukakis Center is to encourage young people to take an active interest in public affairs. The Center is celebrating its 25th anniversary season of public service initiatives in 2024-25. 

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Dr. Zoe Giannopoulou has been awarded the prestigious DDRS Lifetime Achievement Award at the inaugural DDRS Graduation Ceremony, held on March 19, 2025, at Central Hall Westminster, London.

Dr. Zoe Giannopoulou is an Adjunct Professor at the American College of Thessaloniki (ACT), where she teaches the course "Conflict Management and Resolution" within the MBA in Business Administration and the MA in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, under the Division of Business Studies. Additionally, Dr. Giannopoulou is a lecturer at ACT's Lifelong Learning Center, leading the Conflict and Negotiation seminar. Her role at ACT reflects her commitment to equipping future business leaders and psychologists with essential conflict resolution and negotiation skills rooted in real-world practice and academic excellence.

The award was presented by Mr. Rahim Shamji, CEO and Founder of ADR ODR International, acknowledging Dr. Giannopoulou's exceptional dedication to advancing Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Online Dispute Resolution (ODR).

Dr. Giannopoulou has played a pioneering role in shaping the field of dispute resolution on an international level. With a distinguished career spanning decades, she has trained thousands of mediators and negotiators across Greece, Cyprus, the United Kingdom, the UAE, India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Brazil, and Kenya, leaving a lasting impact on the next generation of dispute resolution professionals.

As an active attorney and mediator, Dr. Giannopoulou holds an LLM and a PhD in European and Economic Law. She has significantly contributed to the field through her expertise in negotiation psychology, mediation training, and conflict resolution. She is a Certified Mediator and Trainer accredited by the Greek Ministry of Justice, specializing in Family, Property, and Workplace Disputes, as well as in School Bullying Mediation and Peer Mediation.

Beyond the classroom, her influence extends to the Greek Ministry of Justice, the National School of Judges, Bar Associations, and professional chambers. She serves as a Conciliator on the World Bank's Mediation Panel and as a Banking and Financial Dispute Mediator for the Hellenic Bank Association. Additionally, she is the Lead Trainer at the Thessaloniki Mediation Training Institute. Her international recognition as a leader in mediation is reflected in her consistent inclusion in the Who's Who Legal Mediation list.

In honor of her contributions, Mr. Rahim Shamji, CEO of ADR ODR International, highlighted Dr. Giannopoulou's unwavering dedication:

"Dr. Zoe Giannopoulou's impact on ADR and ODR is unparalleled. Her work has not only advanced the practice of dispute resolution but has also set a benchmark for excellence and innovation in the digital era. This award is a testament to her lifelong commitment to strengthening the global dispute resolution community."

Following the centennial of the establishment of Anatolia College in Thessaloniki, and to commemorate its 25th anniversary season of public service initiatives, the Michael and Kitty Dukakis Center for Public and Humanitarian Service at ACT has invited Sarah B. Snyder, Professor of Global Inquiry at American University in Washington, DC, to deliver the Spring 2025 Dukakis Lecture.

"Building Schools Abroad: American Expats as Informal Diplomats"

Wednesday, April 30, 6 PM
Emilios Riadis Hall - Helexpo

SIGN UP HERE

The lecture will be based on Professor Snyder’s forthcoming book, “Unofficial Diplomats,” which illustrates how private American citizens shaped the place of the United States in the world throughout the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, serving as unofficial diplomats, representing the United States when formal relations did not exist or functioning as informal ambassadors to foreign communities alongside official U.S. representatives. Of particular interest to Anatolia College stakeholders are the efforts of expat Americans to create schools, colleges, and other cultural institutions in Greece and Ottoman Asia Minor.

The lecture will place in context the transformation which took place when Anatolia migrated to Thessaloniki, and will elucidate the efforts of American expats - missionaries and secular figures alike who contributed, and continue to contribute, to the school’s well being and renown. The event will also be an opportunity to take stock of the many lectures and other extracurricular activities which have contributed to forging Anatolia’s unique identity over the decades.

Joining Professor Snyder for post-lecture discussion will be representatives of Anatolia College, the American Farm School, and the American School of Classical Studies, all of which constitute the types of institutions created by American expats in a formative period of US foreign relations.

Evi Tramanza, Anatolia College
Damiana Koutsomiha, American Farm School
Natalia Vogeikoff-Brogan, American School for Classical Studies in Athens

The lecture will be in English and is open to the general public. Please use the sign up link above to reserve your seat.

Address inquiries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About our speaker

Sarah B. Snyder is a historian who specializes in the influence of non-state actors such as human rights activists and expatriates on U.S. foreign relations. She is the author of prize-winning scholarship, including four books and numerous scholarly articles. Her current research studies the influence of expatriates on U.S. foreign relations in such places as the late Ottoman Near East. In addition to her current position at AU, she has taught and lectured at UCL, Yale, and Georgetown. Professor Snyder is a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations

About the Dukakis Center

Named in honor of former Governor of Massachusetts (and Greek-American) Michael Dukakis, the Dukakis Center is an independent, non-partisan administrative unit of the American College of Thessaloniki, the university division of Anatolia College. The primary mission of the Dukakis Center is to encourage young people to take an active interest in public affairs. The Center is celebrating its 25th anniversary season of public service initiatives in 2024-25. 

ACT - The American College of Thessaloniki, Greece in collaboration with FICAC - The World Federation of Consuls - offer The Executive Diploma in Consular Practice and Diplomacy. This is a two-week, 30 hours long, online program focusing on various aspects of international relations, diplomacy, and consular practice.

The program offers both asynchronous and synchronous sessions delivered by experts in their fields in four major themes:

a) International Law and Organizations introducing basic concepts in international law and exploring the role of international and supranational organizations and of the International Federation of Consular Corps and Associations (FICAC)
b) Global Security Issues with emphasis both on theory and case studies from the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East
c) Protocol and Etiquette regarding (among others) the roles and responsibilities of Career Honorary Consuls, diplomatic communication and cross-cultural understanding
d) Women in Diplomacy highlighting the importance of women in diplomacy and their contributions to peacebuilding.

The program includes multimedia components (such as short introductory videos and narrated power points) as well as reading material. There will be three synchronous, interactive sessions of 1.5 hour each.

Each circle will be limited to a maximum of only 15 attendees to ensure personalized learning.

At the end of the courses, there will be an optional test. Participants who successfully complete the test will receive an Executive Diploma, while all the others will receive a Certificate of Attendance.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the program, participants will be able to:

• Understand Key Principles of International Law, demonstrate an understanding of fundamental concepts of international law and functions of international and supranational organizations.
• Evaluate Global Security Challenges and contemporary security issues through both theoretical frameworks and case studies in a number of world areas.
• Grasp Matters of Diplomatic Protocol and etiquette as well as the importance of cross-cultural communication skills in diplomatic and consular contexts.
• Recognize the Role of Women in Diplomacy, examine their role in international affairs and its impact on peacebuilding.
• Utilize Multimedia Learning Tools and further practical skills in consular services and practice.

Program Details

New cycle starting Date: October 6, 2025

Duration: Two-weeks, 30 hours in total

Delivery: Online

Register here

Registration Deadline: October 3, 2025

Program Cost: 1,000€

Payment Details

Payment can be sent to the official Trustees of Anatolia College PayPal account here after submitting your registration.

Alternatively, you can complete your payment via bank transfer using the following details:

ALPHA BANK
Account number: 811002002004269
IBAN: GR82 0140 8110 8110 0200 2004 269
SWIFT code: CRBAGRAA
Beneficiary: ΕΦΟΡΟΙ ΚΟΛΛΕΓΙΟΥ ΑΝΑΤΟΛΙΑ (TRUSTEES OF ANATOLIA COLLEGE)

Please don't forget to state your name and the course title in the relevant section of your remittance info.

Introductions & Insights

Introduction by Hon. Nikolaos K. Margaropoulos, President of the World Federation of Consuls (FICAC).

With insights from

Dr Catherine Boura, Ambassador ad h.

Mr. Constantin Cakioussis, Ambassador ad h.

Dr. Theodoros J. Theodorou, Ambassador ad h.

Program Experts

The program teaching and learning material was created by experts in their respective fields:

Dr. Christos Aliprantis
Researcher and professor. BA on History, MA (on Comparative European History) and PhD on Modern European History and on security and transnational political policing in Europe in the 19th century. He is the recipient of Max Weber Post Doctoral Fellowship (European University Institute, Italy), of Marie Sklodowska-Curie Co found Research Fellowship (Munich, Germany) and Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany). He has published a monograph, edited volume and articles in the areas of his research interest which are European history, migration studies, European integration, security and policing in Europe.

Dr. Pavlos Koktsidis
Associate Professor of International Relations in the Department of Political Science and International Relations at the American College of Thessaloniki. He lectures on International Relations, Foreign Policy, Security and Strategic Studies, Diplomacy, and Conflict Resolution. Prior to his appointment at the American College of Thessaloniki, he was project manager and researcher for the externally funded program on Eastern Mediterranean Geopolitics (LowGeo) and for the joint EU EastMed Erasmus+ programme (2016-2019). His research focuses on ethnic conflict and security analysis in Southeastern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean, federalism and state-building, war and the development of strategic thought in international relations.

Dr. Maria Kyriakidou
Professor and Chair at the Division of Humanities and Social Sciences at the American College of Thessaloniki (ACT) where she teaches courses on Greek history, politics and gender since 1997. After her B.A. and M.A. degrees in History and Archaeology from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, she received a Fulbright scholarship and completed another M.A. in Anthropology at George Washington University, Washington, D.C. She gained her Ph.D. in Modern Greek Studies from King’s College, University of London. In addition to her teaching experience, she has published articles on gender history and women in politics in Greek and international scientific journals. She is the author of a monograph on gendered approaches to local democracy published in Greece and co-edited a volume on women in art published in the UK while she participated in a great number of international conferences and organized many workshops and presentations on topics related to her areas of expertise.

Dr. Tina Mavrikos
Associate Professor of Political Science and European Studies at the American College of Thessaloniki. Over the thirty years of her teaching, she has taught courses in international relations, the European Union, political theory and sociology, to name but a few areas. She has taught in the United States at Hofstra University, Adelphi University, and Colgate University, all located in New York. Her numerous research and publications have included contributions to volumes, articles in journals, and academic periodicals. Her most recent contribution to a volume, published by Edward Elgar Publications, July 2022, is entitled “Reconsidering Sovereign Borders and Authority: Irregular Migration into Europe,” in Reconfigurations of Authority, Power and Territoriality, Edited by Stephen J. Rosow, George Andreopoulos. Her work has appeared in the Journal of Modern Greek Studies, Global Policy Journal, Democratization, and Mediterranean Quarterly. She is a member of the Executive Council of the Interdisciplinary Studies Section (IDSS) of the International Studies Association, a member of the IIE (Institute for International Education), and Nationality Studies.

Dr. Lambrini Nassis
Attorney-at-Law and Adjunct Professor of International Law and International organisations at the American College of Thessaloniki. Her areas of expertise and her research interests include International Law, International Human Rights Law, International Trade Law, International Organisations, International Relations. She participated in a number of international conferences and panel discussions where she presented on topics related to her areas of expertise.

with the assistance of Lazaros Siantsis, Political Scientist - IR Specialist | MSc, TA in International Relations, Center for Talented Youth, Anatolia College

Further Details

For more information please contact

Dr. Maria Kyriakidou
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
Tel: +302310398233

Friday, April 4, 2025
Capsis Hotel Thessaloniki
Arrival time: 15:30

The 8th Conference of the Academic Program in Tourism and Hospitality of ACT (The American College of Thessaloniki) is dedicated to exploring the pivotal relationship between the real estate market and tourism development. This significant event will take place on Friday, April 4, 2025, at 15:30 at Capsis Hotel Thessaloniki.

The conference, "Tourism & Real Estate Development," will examine the impact of real estate on tourism infrastructure and services, directing investments toward the construction of luxury accommodations, themed resorts, and sustainable hotel units. It will also explore how real estate strategies shape a region's identity.

The event brings together leading professionals from tourism, real estate development, investment, and innovation, creating a platform for dialogue, networking, and the exchange of best practices. Through presentations, case studies, and discussions, attendees will not only gain insights into new trends, challenges, and opportunities but also practical strategies to navigate the collaboration of these two dynamic industries.

The event will be held in Greek.

Speakers:

Tasos Andreadis, Chief Executive Officer, STANTA S.A.
Konstantinos Dendrinos, Chief Executive Officer, Nesaj Real Estate Co., Saudi Arabia
George Zografos, PhD, Property Development Consultant, Adjunct Professor in Tourism, Hellenic Open University
Stefan Merkenhof, Director of Tourism & Leisure, CBRE Atria, Managing Consultant, GBR Consulting
Grigoris Avanidis, Project Manager, Dreamworkers
The event will be moderated by Anestis Anastasiou, Head of the Academic Programs in Tourism and Hospitality at ACT (American College of Thessaloniki).

Participation is free, but registration is required to secure your spot by completing the online form.

For more information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

As it wraps up its 25th anniversary season of public service initiatives this semester, the Dukakis Center has returned to the practice of hosting short-term visiting fellows from select partner institutions for short periods of time. The Center’s first such visitor was Dr. James Quirk, Professorial Lecturer in Politics at American University(AU), who spent the first week of March 2025 in residence.

The original function of the Dukakis Chair was to host a visiting academic or practitioner for an extended period, even a full academic term. Thus ACT hosted former White House Science Advisor Eugene Skolnikoff of MIT (Fall 2000) and James Veras, sometime Corporate Vice President of Ford Motor Company and founding President of the World Environment Center (Fall 2001). 

When it was recognized that this practice of hosting long-term fellows was unworkable, it became the practice to host short-term fellows, Who were occasionally offered accommodation on campus in the Morley House attic. Among those visiting ACT in this capacity were Suhnaz Yilmaz of Koç University, Alan Cafruny of Hamilton College, Richard Katula of Northeastern University, retired US Ambassador to Greece Monteagle Stearns, and retired US Ambassador to Senegal Harriet Elam-Thomas. 

Later still, after the Chair had been transformed into a collegiate Center, local figures of some renown were invited to serve as Dukakis Professor, most notably Simon Benssason, recently retired from the European Commission. More recently, several guests have conducted Dukakis Masterclasses since 2014, including Michael Dukakis himself. (link to article)

Having emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2023-24, the timing was considered ripe to resume hosting colleagues short-term from select partner schools such as Northeastern and American Universities, in order in part to enhance these institutional partnerships.

As fortune would have it, the Dukakis Center hosted three interns from American University in 2023-24. One of them, Jack Roberts, was invited to canvas and identify faculty at AU who might be of interest to the Center as short-term fellows (4-8 days). Dr. Quirk was selected notably for his experience studying Balkan politics (he taught for a year in Bulgaria) and his capacity as a student of comparative politics to speak meaningfully about both American and European politics.

During his residence, Dr. Quirk made an impromptu visit to Dr. Wisner’s course in applied ethics to join a comparative discussion on the ethics of Hobbes’ social contract theory and Realist IR theory. He then featured in Dr. Mavrikos European Studies 211 class for a wide-ranging debate on foreign policy making in the US and the EU.

Finally, Dr. Quirk had dinner at the Queen Olga residence hall with a dozen AU study abroad students currently attending classes at ACT, an outing facilitated by ACT’s student services department. Earlier he had met with ACT Provost Stamos Karamouzis for a review of the ACT-AU study abroad partnership.

Dr. Quirk is the first of two colleagues from American University to be invited to help celebrate the Dukakis Center’s silver jubilee season of public service initiatives this year. Later this spring, on April 30, Professor Sarah Snyder, of AU’s School of Global Service, will deliver a Dukakis Lecture on the educational activities of American civilian expats in late Ottoman Asia Minor.

The Michael and Kitty Dukakis Center for Public and Humanitarian Service will organize a session at this year’s Beyond technology forum and exhibition, to take place at the Metropolitan Expo Centre, Athens. David Wisner, Executive Director of the Dukakis Center, will host a fireside chat on “AI, Social Contracts, and Digital Literacy” with Clay Shirky, author of Here Comes Everybody (2008) and Vice Provost for AI and Technology in Education at New York University. The Dukakis Center is moreover a supporting institution at Beyond 2025.

Named a “Top 100 Global Thinker” by Foreign Policy in 2010, Clay Shirky has published six books and appears frequently in the mainstream media. At New York University since 2001, his current role includes designing, developing and enhancing all academic aspects of technology-based teaching and learning. Mr Shirky also has teaching affiliations at NYU with the Arthur L. Carter Center of Journalism and the Tisch School of the Arts. In 2014-2017, he served as Chief Information Officer at NYU Shanghai.

According to the event organizers, “BEYOND is an international digital technology and innovation exhibition taking place in Thessaloniki since 2021. From artificial intelligence to virtual reality, the exhibition serves as a hub for networking, knowledge sharing, and hands-on experience with pioneering innovations. Beyond 2025 will focus on confronting the practical and sometimes harsh realities of artificial intelligence as it integrates into various aspects of society.”

The Dukakis Center session will take place on Saturday, April 5, at 2:35 PM and will focus on three principal themes,

• how Professor Shirky’s thinking about technologically enhanced social interaction has evolved since the late 1990s;
• how AI is altering this picture;
• how one attains “AI literacy” in a learning environment like New York University

The Dukakis Center has organized events previously with two of the principal organizers of Beyond, now in its fifth year. Both Anastasios Tzikas, President of the Board of Helexpo, and Mihalis Stangos, Managing Director and CEO of MSCOMM, have spoken under the Dukakis Center banner, most recently in May 2020, when Mr, Tzikas appeared in the landmark Covid era Zoom webinar entitled “Φέτος το φεστιβάλ θα είναι διαφορετικό.” Dr. Wisner has appeared meanwhile at Helexpo, having presented Spyros Katsoulas’ book Διλήμματα στο Τρίγωνο in May 2023 at the Thessaloniki International Book Fair.

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