Watch part two 

Greece has been crippled as the country faces its worst civil unrest in decades, after a 15-year-old boy was shot dead by the police late last week. 
 
But, while the incident of police brutality sparked the outbreak of the violence, the real cause seems to be the tragedy of young Greeks, who are reeling under economic hardships.

There is widespread anger at the economic policies of the conservative government, which have caused a widening social gap and rising unemployment.

The problems have been building for years among young Greeks. Official unemployment in Greece is near 9 per cent and rising. That leaves many young Greeks disillusioned. Students are particularly concerned as they feel they invest a lot in their eduction but have little prospects.

The Greek protests might be a response to the financial crash and economic slump. As Europe heads into a winter of discontent, the bonfires of Athens could signal the first outbreaks of mass rage against the hard times beginning to feed fear and frustration across the continent.

Inside Story discusses the root causes of the current crisis and its political and social ramifications. How could the police killing of a teenager unleash such violence? And as confidence in the government wanes, what is next for Greece?

This episode of Inside Story airs on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at 1730GMT with repeats at 2230GMT and on Thursday at 0430GMT and 0830GMT.