Views of Cypriot youth towards the Cyprus Problem and proposed resolutions: a qualitative analysis using a mediative approach

Views of Cypriot youth towards the Cyprus Problem and proposed resolutions: a qualitative analysis using a mediative approach

Politics and International Studies

Nicolas Lewis

2024

Dr Neophytos Loizides

Given that the peace process in Cyprus has to-date remained securitised with a strong reliance on Track 1 diplomacy, which has thus far failed to make significant progress, this study provides and analyses the viewpoints of Cypriot youth – and a limited selection of those that work and engage with them - which has long been a neglected demographic in relation to the Cyprus Problem and the Cyprus peace process. A total of 32 topics were discussed by participants, during a series of semi-structured focus groups and interviews, which resulted in a combined total of 98,000 words of qualitative data which has been analysed thematically. Participants of this study agreed that Cypriot youth remain disinterested in the Cypriot peace process, although their voices are often neglected by a peace process that is exclusionary and lacks transparency. Both Greek and Turkish Cypriots also felt that the education system in Cyprus promoted ethnonationalism and is unhelpful in developing bi-communal relationships. Many participants of this study were regularly involved in organisations that promote bi-communal activities - the challenges they face, particularly in encouraging engagement from a more diverse group of young Cypriots, are also given extensive discussion in this paper. Participants felt frustrated by the lack of progress in the peace process so far and they all expressed a strong desire for a solution to be achieved, often blaming a lack of political will and international support as the reason a solution has not yet been found after 50 years of failed negotiations. After discussing the views of participants, this paper argues that a multifaceted approach is essential to progress forward to an internationally accepted bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with a need to pursue significant education reforms, along with greater pressure from international actors, and a peace process that is truly transparent and inclusive.

The Cyprus Problem; Bi-communal; Education reform; Bi-zonal, bi-communal federation; Non-governmental organisations; Ethnonationalism; Annan Plan; Crans Montana; Track 1 diplomacy