Peacebuilding in Cyprus through Sustained Superordinate Cooperation

The Cyprus conflict has persisted for nearly six decades despite multiple resolution attempts. The Greek Cypriot leadership advocates for continued bi-communal, bi-zonal federation talks under the UN framework, while Turkish Cypriot decision-makers promote a two-state structure that recognizes Turkish Cypriot sovereignty. This article explores the cooperation within technical committees ( tc s) in Cyprus to determine if and how they contribute to peace given the current political impasse. We conducted interviews with former and current tc members, committee coordinators, and experts and found that most committees have completed projects improving the daily lives of both Cypriot communities. However, these projects have been obstructed by each side’s political agenda, funding and staffing challenges, international actors’ differing views of their role, the public’s general lack of awareness, and communication issues. Despite these challenges, the tc s connect Track i , Track ii , and Track iii actors, helping them develop a crucial foundation for peace in Cyprus

Foundation (evidence · International relations · Ministry of Foreign Affairs · Negotiation · Peacebuilding · Politics · Summit · Superordinate goals · Turkish · Cyprus History, Politics, Society · Peacebuilding and International Security · Post-Soviet Geopolitical Dynamics