On divisionism and cypriotism: the civic languages of the Cyprus Problem

Rakopoulos, Theodoros (2022) On divisionism and cypriotism: the civic languages of the Cyprus Problem. GreeSE Papers: Hellenic Observatory Papers on Greece and Southeast Europe (170). Hellenic Observatory, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK.

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Abstract

This article analyses the two main vernacular poles through which the Greek-Cypriot population engages with statehood, and thus the Cyprus Problem. Using ethnography, I dissect two versions of “nationalist” cultural ethos, which, while pertinent to the post-colonial condition generally, are largely unknown outside Cyprus. These concern on the one hand the idea of divisionism and on the other that of cypriotism. I specifically show how the bicommunal nature of the state in Cyprus finds emic continuity among certain Greek-Cypriots that adhere to a non-nation-bound loyalty glossed as cypriotism, while I illustrate how dividing techniques of conventional nationalist rhetoric operate among other Greek-Cypriots. I also briefly discuss how such vernacular experiences of nationhood and statehood reverberate among Turkish-Cypriots and Turks (the state’s “Others”) and consider the ways this affects the Republic. The article therefore contributes to understanding the political vernacular in the post-colonial and post-conflict context of Cyprus, and highlights from below the local “languages” pertaining to the Cyprus Problem.

Item Type:	Monograph (Discussion Paper)
Official URL:	https://www.lse.ac.uk/Hellenic-Observatory/Publica...
Additional Information:	© 2022 The Author
Divisions:	LSE
Subjects:	J Political Science > JN Political institutions (Europe) J Political Science > JZ International relations H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GN Anthropology
Date Deposited:	07 Apr 2022 08:45
Last Modified:	15 Sep 2023 23:56
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/114609

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