Theories and Implications on the Cyprus Problem

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This article aims to help to find out which of the three theoretical frameworks–neo-realism, neo-liberalism or the critical theory–is more suited to better understand the social mindset and behavioural patterns of the two societies in Cyprus. According to the first of these approaches, the events in the island are a reflection of a political and militaristic struggle for power between the two communities; the second approach would explain the current status-quo situation in the island as a reflection of the international political system vis a vis the capitialistic neo-liberal world order. Neither of these two approaches have been able to enquire into the social and political roots of the problems to bring about radical alternative approaches for the two communities in the island. The critical theory, on the other hand, has the potential to go beyond the notions of state, political leaders, international system and interest groups, international organziations and multinational companies that are often subsumed under states in order to put in their place the notion of human freedom as the central problematique in its research agenda and thus eliminate all disableing thought patters and conventions for a radical rearticulation of human freedom. In this appraoch, because human beings have the capacity for social re-education and ability for adopting to new discursive formations, they can take steps towards solving their problems. Thus, human beings are capable to enact new political and institutional structures by reformulating the existing hegemonic political structures. In conclusion, the article proposes that the neo-realist and neo-liberal approaches adapted by the regional and global powers should be changed.

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Cyprus , neo , realism , neo , liberalism , critical theory

Ege Academic Review (EAR)

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Ege Academic Review (EAR)