This book concerns the relationship between culture, society, and politics, the dilemmas, contradictions, and conflicts among them. Myrsini Zorba was a consistent and tireless researcher of the politics of culture. By utilizing international analyses of the cultural phenomenon, she attempted in this book to challenge established views on culture that appear self-evident and, of course, the grand ideals of Greek culture.

Emphasizing the profound changes in the politics of culture caused by the traumatic experiences of European history, she constructed a reflection that re-examines the relationship between culture, modern society, and democracy, articulating the demand for cultural democracy. More specifically, the first part explores the conditions that led to the emergence of the politics of culture in Western Europe after World War II.

The second part addresses the character and structure of cultural policy as public policy, which requires governmental planning, strategy, and goals. The third part historically examines public culture and cultural policy in Greece until the end of the twentieth century. Finally, the fourth part refers to the profound transformations of the first two decades of the 21st century, the culture reflected in the crisis.

Myrsini Zorba (1949-2023) was, besides her other qualities, a researcher of cultural policy. She served as Minister of Culture, Member of the European Parliament, Director of the National Book Center, and publisher.