Zoe Louka – 16/11/2024
The emergence of two distinct nationalisms in Cyprus, Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot, can be traced back to British colonial rule. The British policy of divide and rule exacerbated ethnic divisions, framing separate identities rather than a unified Cypriot identity. Greek Cypriot nationalism, driven by the desire for enosis (union with Greece), was influenced by developments in mainland Greece, while Turkish Cypriot nationalism emerged partly in reaction to this Greek hegemonic nationalism and the political shifts in mainland Türkiye. The differing ruling-class interests between the two communities intensified rivalry and competition throughout the 1950s and 1960s culminating in the Greek Cypriot right organising around EOKA for enosis and the Turkish Cypriot nationalist response around taksim (partition).
In the 1950s, Makarios was aware that the anti-British struggle required allies in neighbouring countries with similar struggles including Egypt and Palestine. Following Cyprus’ independence in 1960, Britain, Türkiye and Greece were made guarantor powers. Türkiye and the Turkish Cypriot ruling class adopted a pro-Western (therefore pro-Israel), anti-Soviet stance, while Cyprus joined the Non-Aligned Movement, adopting a pro-Arab rhetoric. This approach allowed the Greek Cypriot ruling class to assert its national project and limit Turkish capitalist interests.
Cyprus’s alignment with Israel has evolved gradually. Most dramatically in 2011 driven by worsening Israeli-Turkish relations, strengthening Israeli-Greek ties, and economic motives. The emergence of distinct ruling classes within the Turkish and Greek Cypriot communities has deepened their identities and divisions, influencing the island’s political landscape and alliances, including the Greek Cypriot government’s close relationship with Israel.
The relationship has deepened over the past decade due to two main factors:
- The perceived Turkish threat by Cyprus, Greece and Israel, which has fuelled a regional anti-Türkiye alliance.
- Natural gas in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Consequently, the Republic of Cyprus (RoC) has firmly allied with Israel, supporting it even amid a genocide and regional conflict threats. As Türkiye’s relations with the EU, USA and Israel deteriorated, the bonds between the RoC and Israel grew stronger, particularly through joint energy projects.
Israel’s strong military ties with Türkiye in the 1990s and early 2000s hindered Cyprus-Israel relations. The rising tensions between the EU/US and Türkiye which emerged in the mid-2000s presented an opportunity for both Cyprus and Greece to build alliances with powerful players in the region, particularly Israel. In 2011, President Christofias of AKEL visited Jerusalem, calling Israel a key strategic partner for Cyprus. Improving relations with Israel has been an aim of ruling class parties on the island including both left and right parties AKEL, DISY and the current government led by Nikos Christodoulides. Viewed as a security threat by Cyprus, Greece, and Israel, Türkiye has prompted a “quasi-alliance” among these nations which bolsters their regional influence through the development of energy resources. This partnership could yield substantial profits for energy companies, investors, and businesses from Cyprus, Greece, Israel, and other international players who stand to benefit financially from the exploitation of regional energy resources. Moreover, Israel, seeking allies after the Arab Spring, found a strategic partner in Cyprus, the nearest non-Arab nation in the region. This alliance has further strengthened through increased trade, tourism, and business investments, including property.
Israel discovered significant gas fields, Tamar and Leviathan, in 2009-2010, while Cyprus found the much smaller Aphrodite field in 2011. By 2010, the two countries had settled their Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) boundaries. The gas fields in all the Eastern Mediterranean have attracted interest from the EU, seeking a stable energy supply, and the USA, aiming to reduce Russia’s energy dominance. In 2012, Prime Minister Netanyahu visited Cyprus to explore an East Mediterranean gas pipeline to Europe, becoming the first Israeli prime minister to visit the island, and signalling a new era in regional alliances. Natural gas became crucial for Greek-Cypriot capitalists, especially after the 2013 financial crisis, providing leverage in negotiations to resolve the Cyprus problem in favour of their interests and strengthening their influence in both regional energy markets and political discussions.
Increased military cooperation between Cyprus and Israel has involved sharing information, equipment and joint training exercises. Joint military exercises have been taking place since 2014 and provide the means for Israel to simulate their attacks on Lebanon, which shares similar terrain to Cyprus. These exercises also enable both armies to collaborate in defending natural resources within their EEZ.
In 2014, Vice President Biden visited Cyprus, offering US support for reunification and highlighting Cyprus’ important role due to offshore gas reserves. Since the Ukraine war, the Cypriot government has further strengthened its ties with the US and Western powers, aligning more closely with their interests to promote Greek Cypriot capitalist goals. Despite US promises, the gas deposits have fuelled tensions with Türkiye over maritime borders rather than foster peace talks, culminating in Turkish and Greek warships facing off in contested waters over competing energy projects in 2020. Capitalist elites will not relinquish control over territorial waters rich in natural gas, making a peaceful resolution unlikely.
In conclusion, Cyprus’ political landscape has been shaped by nationalism, colonial legacies, and capitalist interests, deepening divisions on the island. As the Republic of Cyprus strengthens its ties with Israel over natural gas and opposition to Türkiye, the ruling elites advance their geopolitical and economic agendas. It remains to be seen what the Cypriot Israeli energy alliance will yield, but one thing is certain: by aligning with policies that normalize genocide and undermine peace efforts both domestically and in Gaza, the resolution of the Cyprus conflict becomes even more elusive. Ultimately, as capitalist interests dominate, the prospect of reconciliation and lasting peace grows increasingly distant.
