Cyprus: Hopes for a Rapprochement Between Communities

Presentation

What is the purpose of this book? In brief, it aims to show that alongside the many official political discussions that have failed to produce significant results over more than 40 years, brave and dedicated activists, aided by the passage of generations, have been working to influence citizen opinion. They have done so by re-establishing personal relationships between the peoples of Cyprus, and developing, alongside Greek and Turkish identities, the idea of a Cypriot nation.

The first part looks back over the course of history: how the Ottoman Empire, British rule, brief independence and the oversized nationalism of the Greek colonels, encouraged by the United States, shaped the current situation. The second, focused on 1974-2003, illustrates how the situation became deadlocked: on one hand, local politicians took measures that consolidated and aggravated the division of 1974, and on the other, a first generation of activists began developing the Cypriotism movement. Lastly, the third part demonstrates how, since 2003, interactions between the citizens of Cyprus have been increasing without conflict, undeniably influencing local politicians, even if results remain limited. Mentalities change slowly, and the fate of Cyprus also unfortunately depends on external factors, such as Greece, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the European Union, the United States, Russia and the situation in the Middle East.
 

Interview

Author

Alexandre Lapierre holds a PhD in languages and civilizations, and a Master in strategic studies and defence policy. His research focuses in particular on the Cyprus issue, inter-community relations and the relationship with political representation.

314 pages
16 x 24 cm
Publication: 15/11/2018
ISBN: 9782858312818