Metaxas’ Networks during 1919-1923: a SNA study

Sammanfattning

Introduction. Much research has been done about the period that Metaxas established his dictatorship; however, there is not much attention to the years in which he was exiled. This thesis examines the structure of Metaxas’ networks during his time in exile in Italy (1919-1920) and his return to Greece (1921-1923), with an emphasis on the gender, nationality, and occupation of the actors. The central question is whether his network underwent changes over time or remained the same. Method. In this thesis, a mixed-method approach will be used, integrating SNA and visualization techniques with historical-critical reading and interpretation of sources. Through this methodology and the application of network theory, temporal networks will be constructed to abstractly examine their evolution. Analysis. The data was analyzed using network visualizations and statistical metrics that Gephi provided to illuminate Metaxas’ social networks, the different roles of the actors within these networks, and how these roles evolved over time, highlighting the strategic adaptability of Metaxas’ relationships. Results. The results showed that Metaxas’ network was not static and changed during the underexamined period. This indicated that the connections were dynamic and evolved to serve individual needs in various contexts. Conclusion. The research findings demonstrated that Metaxas' network was adaptable and changed over time to meet his different needs. Two unexpected results were uncovered. First, it was revealed that Metaxas had limited contact with military personnel despite his army background and previous military career. Second, the study highlighted the significant role of women in Metaxas' network, as they served as bridges, transmitting important information among network members. Overall, the integration of computational techniques in historical research, particularly the SNA methodology, enables a more detailed exploration of historical events, revealing insights that enrich our understanding of the past.