Synopses & Reviews
In the troubled island of Cyprus, the national interests and rivalries of Greece and Turkey still collide, the population remains divided between the Greek and Turkish communities and the country is still a cat's paw of outside powers--especially the USA and the now resurgent Russia--as it has been since the acquisition of the island by Britain in 1878. These are problems that have been brought into sharp focus by Cyprus's entry into the European Union.
William Mallinsons book is a fast-moving and incisive narrative history which portrays Cyprus as a continuing source of international tension in the Mediterranean and beyond. It features the latest source material from the recently released National Archive, vivid interviews with key players, even reports which raise awkward and embarrassing questions. His critical eye uncovers the underlying story of American and British involvement in the island's affairs, first as a key territory in Cold War politics with its close proximity to the Middle East and Asia and now as a key asset in the "war on terror."
Review
"This is an extremely lively and controversial book. [William Mallinson's] views deserve to be read with respect and to be debated."--Alan Sked, Senior Lecturer in International History, London School of Economics
"Mallinson's is an important book that will be a great service to those who are interested in the Cyprus problem."--Tam Dalyell, former Father of the House of Commons
"Offers students of contemporary Cypriot history an amenable reference tool."--Constantine Buhayer, Anglo-Hellenic Review
"Mallinson, a former diplomat, a multi linguist, academic, author and journalist, brings considerable expertise to bear on his task."--Robert Giddings, Tribune
"A work that is original, authenticated, witty and useful"--Cyprus Weekly
Synopsis
This narrative history of Cyprus--the most thorough and up-to-date account currently available--examines the modern history of the island during a period of enormous change. Topics covered range from the British acquisition of Cyprus in 1878, when its strategic importance was cemented, to the more recent American and Soviet involvement during the Cold War. It focuses particularly on the period leading up to and following the Turkish invasion of 1974, the apparent moves towards reunification, and the growing importance of the EU both for Cyprus and for Turkey. The book will be an essential reference tool for all those interested in Cyprus and the emerging politics of the Eastern Mediterranean.
About the Author
William Mallinson is a Lecturer at the Ionian University, Corfu, and Professor of Diplomatic History and head of the International Relations Department at New York College in Athens. He is a former diplomat and the author of Public Lies and Private Truths.
Table of Contents
* Foreword * Acknowledgements * List of Abbreviations * Some key dates * Preface to the Paperback edition * Preface * Introduction * Part I THE POKER TABLE * Introduction * British Property and the Russian Factor * Watershed Year: 1955 and the Aftermath * The End of Enosis and the Road to Partition * Makarios Between East and West * Foreign Policy Distortion * Invasion and Cementing Division * PART II THE POKER PLAYERS * Introduction * Britain: Hanging in There * The United States of America: Power Projection * The Ottoman Legacy and Turkeys View of Cyprus * Greeces Cyprus View: The Foreign Yoke * PART III THE FINGERS IN THE PIE * Introduction * Graeco-Turkish Relations: The Cypriot Thorn * The Current Occupation Period * Legality, Reality and Morality: The Difficult Triangle * How the Players Responded * The United Kingdom Nations Plan * NATO vs EU * Epilogue * Notes * Bibliography * Index *