Cyprus: A Pawn in the Turkish Eastern Mediterranean Strategy?
The tensions in the Mediterranean, similar to the tensions in the Middle East are highlighting a major shift happening in the region. Namely the decline of US power and the rise of regional powers competing for more influence.
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Siri Neset (CMI) and Kjetil Fosshagen (HVL) in conversation with Arne Strand (CMI).
Turkey has become one of the most influential actors in the Mediterranean region and has intensified its foreign policy initiatives. The Mavi Vatan, or Blue Homeland, doctrine has emerged as a pillar of Turkey’s security policy. This strategy aims to leverage Turkey’s regional economic, political, and military superiority to assert claims over contested regions of the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Mavi Vatan doctrine is linked to the tenacity of Turkey’s deep existential insecurity and used as a shorthand expression for Ankara’s maritime claims. A central factor in these claims is the presence of large deposits of natural gas off the coast of the island of Cyprus. How does this affect Cyprus, both in the north and in the south? How does it impact Cyprus’ relationship with Greece and the EU? Is there hope for an agreement that leads to a united Cyprus?
In this seminar Arne Strand (CMI) in conversation with Siri Neset (CMI) and Kjetil Fosshagen (HVL) will discuss the current situation in Cyprus.
Siri Nesset is a political psychologist and Associated Researcher at CMI focused on rhetoric, perceptions, foreign policy decision-making, identity, and the links between political ideology, power and violence. She has recently published a report entitled: “Turkey's International Relations” with Mustafa Aydin, Metin Gürcan, Hasret Dikici Bilgin and Arne Strand.
Kjetil Fosshagen is a social anthropologist and Associate Professor at HVL. His research focuses on the conflict of Northern Cyprus from a historical perspective. He has researched the Turkish Cypriots' ambivalent attitudes towards Turkey and Europe through everyday negotiations and conflict. His PhD thesis is called Island of Conjuncture: State Modalities and Historical Trajectories in Cyprus (2007).
Arne Strand is Director of the U4 Anti-corruption Resource Centre and Research Director at the Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI). Between 2007-2009 he was Center Manager for the Cyprus office of the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO).
Please note that according to corona virus regulations all participants must keep a distance of at least one metre from each other and maintain good hand hygiene. If you have any respiratory tract symptoms you should stay at home. According to the infection control measures, we need to have an overview of who is present at all times and thus kindly ask all who plans to participate to sign up beforehand via this link.
Seating is limited, so first come, first served.