The anatomy of a geopolitical tragedy

Cyprus’ modern history is defined by missed diplomatic opportunities, ideological blindness and the cold calculations of regional powers. Since 1974, the events leading to the island’s partition have been clouded by revisionism. Political groups describe the division as either a sudden disaster, Turkish aggression or the failure of Archbishop Makarios. To understand Cyprus’ tragedy, 1960-1974 must be viewed as a connected process that ended in disaster.

The Famagusta breakthrough...