British Bases in Cyprus and Signals Intelligence

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to examine the question why Cyprus has been and continues to be vital for Western strategic interests. It points out that during the Cold War, Intelligence gathered in Cyprus helped maintain the fragile balance with the Soviet Bloc, avoiding a destructive global nuclear war and projecting UK, US and NATO power in the Middle East and beyond. The Republic of Cyprus failed utterly to participate in this regional Great Game even as an active spectator. Instead of gain, there was great loss.