Yiannis Ioannou
A new book, The Spy Who Betrayed Makarios by Giorgos A. Georgiou, sheds light on intelligence operations in Cyprus from 1960 to 1974, exposing the recruitment of a key agent within President Makarios’ inner circle. Based on declassified CIA documents and an interview with former American spy Ronald Estes, the book uncovers the extent of espionage that shaped Cyprus’ political landscape during the Cold War.
Georgiou describes Cyprus as a "paradise for spies," with agents from the U.S., USSR, Britain, and the Greek junta operating unchecked. His research confirms that the CIA had direct access to Makarios, while Soviet intelligence worked through AKEL and even infiltrated British bases. The book also explores broader geopolitical conflicts, including Western fears of a leftward shift and Soviet efforts to undermine British influence.
Beyond espionage, Georgiou highlights how intelligence services document "living history," offering a more objective view of past events. He argues that mythology surrounding the Cyprus issue persists due to political interests, distorting public understanding of key historical moments, including the lead-up to the 1974 Turkish invasion.
The revelations in The Spy Who Betrayed Makarios not only reshape Cyprus’ historical narrative but also provide insight into modern intelligence warfare. As digital surveillance and AI-driven analysis evolve, the lessons from Cyprus’ past remain relevant for today’s global security challenges.
The book is available at select bookstores and on the author’s website, giorgosgeorgiouresearch.com.
*This article was translated and summarized from its Greek original. To read more of Yiannis Ioannou'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!
