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Seminar on "Winds of Change in Cyprus?" Held at EMU with Asst. Prof. Dr. Devrim Şahin

A seminar titled “Winds of Change in Cyprus?” was held on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), jointly organized by the Cyprus Policy Center (CPC) and the Department of Political Science and International Relations. The opening remarks were delivered by Hatice Savoğlu, a PhD candidate in International Relations at EMU and a research assistant at the CPC. The guest speaker for the seminar was Asst. Prof. Dr. Devrim Şahin.

Dr. Şahin began his presentation by explaining that the Cyprus Problem emerged largely due to the influence of colonial and imperial powers. He then examined how shifts in U.S. foreign policy have influenced the Cyprus issue and the broader region at different historical junctures. Referring to the period prior to the Iraq War, Şahin emphasized the strategic alliance between Turkey and the United States. He discussed how Turkey’s evolving relationships with major powers in the region, such as the U.S. and Russia, could significantly impact the trajectory of the Cyprus conflict.

Şahin proposed that depending on the global actors with which Turkey aligns itself, various scenarios regarding the future of Cyprus may unfold. He also addressed the strategic importance of energy resources in the region, such as hydrocarbons and pipeline projects, highlighting their potential to shape different outcomes. Concluding his presentation, Şahin explained the reasoning behind Turkey’s current advocacy for a two-state solution on the island.

During the highly interactive seminar, Dr. Şahin responded to questions from the audience under the moderation of CPC research assistant Hatice Savoğlu. He concluded by discussing possible future developments in the Cyprus issue.