Poker géopolitique en Mediterranée orientale

Abstract

Stephanos Constantinides traces methodically the many developments that are now taking shape in the Eastern Mediterranean as a result of the radical changes that have taken place in the region in the last years. He highlights the recent tumultuous events in the area and more particularly the failed “Arab Spring” that was instrumental in unraveling Turkey’s highfalutin plans of becoming the neo-Ottoman leaders of the region. Developments on the Iranian front, the Palestine-Israel impasse, Kurdish autonomy, the ongoing bloodshed in Iraq and Syria, the shifting alliances in the area and big-power politics are given their rightful place in Constantinides’ analysis.
He skillfully relates all these events to Cyprus and the dangers the country is facing but also the opportunities that these developments can create for Cyprus in its attempt to exploit its energy resources and to free itself from the shackles of the Turkish occupation. The detrimental effects these events are having on Turkey are finely summarized and in the process give some hope to Cyprus as regards its potential to repel Turkish aggression, that saw the Turkey’s navy invade Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and put an end to Turkish plans to scuttle Cyprus’ efforts to exploit its natural resources.