Newsroom
Cyprus’ foreign policy has undergone a significant transformation over the decades, moving from a stance of non-alignment to a strong pro-Western orientation, particularly after its accession to the European Union. This shift, however, was not a simple one and reflects the island’s unique political challenges.
According to an article by Apostolos Kouroupakis in this Sunday's Kathimerini, in the 1960s, Archbishop Makarios, Cyprus' first president, played a crucial role in positioning the island within the Non-Aligned Movement. This strategic move allowed Cyprus to receive support from both Eastern and Western powers as it sought independence and worked to secure its future amidst rising tensions between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities. Makarios believed that by being part of the Non-Aligned Movement, Cyprus could maintain its sovereignty while avoiding becoming entangled in Cold War conflicts. His decision to align with countries such as Yugoslavia, Egypt, and India provided Cyprus with international support, helping the young republic assert its independence from British colonial rule.
While Makarios embraced the non-alignment ideology, the Turkish Cypriot community did not agree with this direction, and tensions between the two communities were often reflected in political and media commentary. For instance, Turkish Cypriot media criticized Makarios' foreign policy, with one newspaper accusing him of violating the country’s constitution by engaging with the Non-Aligned Movement. Despite these objections, Makarios pursued his vision of a neutral Cyprus, believing it was the best option for the island’s future.
Intriguing Shift in Cyprus’ Foreign Policy: From Neutrality to Alignment with the West
One of the most intriguing aspects of this period was Makarios’ ability to balance his foreign policy approach. While seeking alignment with the East through the Non-Aligned Movement, he also worked to ensure the island did not fall into the geopolitical orbit of the Soviet Union. This delicate balancing act was crucial, given Cyprus’ strategic location in the Eastern Mediterranean and its divided internal politics. Makarios' participation in key summits, like those in Belgrade and Cairo, reinforced Cyprus’ stance as an independent and neutral player in the global arena.
However, Cyprus' relationship with the East began to shift over time, particularly after the Turkish invasion in 1974 and the island’s eventual accession to the European Union in 2004. This shift marked the island’s gradual movement toward the West, reflecting the changing geopolitical landscape. The EU membership in 2004 was a key milestone in Cyprus’ foreign policy, positioning it as a full member of a major Western bloc.
Cyprus' pro-Western shift intensified with the Turkish invasion and the subsequent changes in the political landscape. The 1974 invasion led to a shift in Cypriot sentiment, notably making anti-American sentiment more prevalent. However, this anti-Americanism would gradually fade, especially with the election of U.S. President Jimmy Carter in 1976, and Cyprus began to take a more pro-Western stance, a trend that would continue in the following decades.
The most surprising element of Cyprus' foreign policy evolution is the way in which Makarios' non-alignment in the 1960s laid the groundwork for the island’s later shift toward the West. The initial strategic neutrality, which sought support from both sides of the Cold War, eventually gave way to a clear pro-Western orientation, as seen in recent discussions about joining NATO and improving relations with the United States. This shift shows how Cyprus, once a champion of non-alignment, adapted to the changing global order and found its place within the Western political and economic sphere.
Shifting Relations with the Soviet Union and the West
In the 1960s, Makarios’ relationship with the Soviet Union was strong. The USSR provided significant support, including military equipment, to the newly established Republic of Cyprus. This alignment with the Soviet Union did not prevent Cyprus from participating in the Non-Aligned Movement, as the Soviets were largely supportive of the movement’s anti-imperialist stance. However, as Cyprus’ political and economic trajectory evolved, particularly in the 1990s and 2000s, its relationship with the West became more prominent.
In recent years, Cyprus has moved closer to the West, particularly through its 2004 accession to the European Union. This shift was a significant milestone in the island's foreign policy, aligning it with European norms and strengthening its political and economic ties with Western nations. Cyprus, once firmly rooted in the Non-Aligned Movement, is now a key player within the European Union, with access to greater political and economic influence.
In November 2023, President Nicos Christodoulides signaled Cyprus' increasingly pro-Western stance when he revealed ongoing discussions with Washington about the possibility of Cyprus joining NATO. Along with these discussions, a legislative push to lift the U.S. arms embargo on Cyprus further illustrates the shift in the country's foreign policy.
From Non-Aligned to EU Membership
The road to EU membership was not without its hurdles, particularly from the Turkish Cypriot community, which opposed Cyprus’ inclusion. Despite these objections, Cyprus officially applied for EU membership in 1990, and three years later, the European Commission affirmed that the Republic met the necessary conditions for membership. The move was a triumph for Cyprus, marking its entry into a major political and economic bloc that would shape its foreign policy for years to come.
Cyprus’ decision to apply for EU membership was part of a broader strategy to secure its future in a world where the global order was shifting. By joining the EU, Cyprus ensured its place in the West and solidified its ties with Europe, providing the island with new opportunities and responsibilities on the global stage.
Cyprus’ foreign policy evolution is a testament to the island's resilience and ability to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics. From a non-aligned neutral position to becoming a key EU member and exploring closer ties with NATO, Cyprus has adapted to the changing global landscape while balancing its historical ties with the East and West. The shift from neutrality to alignment with the West, particularly after the Turkish invasion and the island's entry into the EU, marks a defining moment in Cyprus’ modern political history.
The island's foreign policy has been shaped by its unique geopolitical position, and it continues to evolve as Cyprus explores new alliances and opportunities on the global stage.
To read more of Apostolos Kouroupakis's article and gain full access to in-depth reports (in Greek), subscribe now to Kathimerini's print edition and stay informed with comprehensive coverage on this and more!
