Overview

This study assesses Moscow's special bilateral relations with Cyprus since the mid-1950s, with particular emphasis on the post-Cold War years. Melakopides develops the theory of 'pragmatic idealism' when describing the way in which Moscow's Cyprus policies were meant to satisfy not only mutual interests but also international legal and ethical principles and norms. The book recalls Cyprus's dramatic vicissitudes since the 1950s and revisits the controversial 'political realist' policies of Washington, Ankara and London against the interests and needs of the Greek-Cypriot majority. Melakopides then goes on to analyse the regional geopolitical context; Turkey's hegemonic ambitions and its ongoing aggressiveness against Cyprus; Nicosia's current efforts to pursue a multidimensional foreign policy that also engages Greece, Israel and Egypt; the strong Russian-Cypriot diplomatic and political relations as well as their relations in trade, banking, energy, tourism, culture, energy and defence; and the origins of Russia's historical, religious and 'spiritual' sentiments and bonds towards Hellenism and Cyprus.

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9781137347145

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Reviews

`Using a unique, imaginative but well-thought out approach, pragmatic idealism, Melakopides has uncovered much-needed background on an area not previously dealt with comprehensively, namely the role of the USSR/Russia in the Cyprus affair. In doing so, he also presents compelling arguments for more Russian involvement in solving the island's problems. And as added value, he provides the uninitiated with a most useful account of what led to Cyprus' current situation. This informative and thoughtful book presents an exclusively fresh view for academics and laymen alike.' - William Mallinson, former British diplomat, diplomatic historian, and author of Cyprus: A Diplomatic History, Cyprus, Diplomatic History and the Clash of Theory in International Relations, and Britain and Cyprus: Key Themes and Documents since World War Two) `Costas Melakopides has written a pioneering study that thoroughly investigates the multifaceted Russia-Cyprus relationship. His balanced and nuanced account is based on wide research and is a major addition to the literature on International Relations theory, and to the history of Cyprus and Eastern Mediterranean. Drawing on his deep understanding of Cyprus and of Russia, Melakopides produced an important book that sheds light on both historical and contemporary problems.' - Igor Torbakov, Uppsala University, Sweden

'Using a unique, imaginative but well-thought out approach, pragmatic idealism, Melakopides has uncovered much-needed background on an area not previously dealt with comprehensively, namely the role of the USSR/Russia in the Cyprus affair. In doing so, he also presents compelling arguments for more Russian involvement in solving the island's problems. And as added value, he provides the uninitiated with a most useful account of what led to Cyprus' current situation. This informative and thoughtful book presents an exclusively fresh view for academics and laymen alike.' - William Mallinson, former British diplomat, diplomatic historian, and author of Cyprus: A Diplomatic History, Cyprus, Diplomatic History and the Clash of Theory in International Relations, and Britain and Cyprus: Key Themes and Documents since World War Two) 'Costas Melakopides has written a pioneering study that thoroughly investigates the multifaceted Russia-Cyprus relationship. His balanced and nuanced account is based on wide research and is a major addition to the literature on International Relations theory, and to the history of Cyprus and Eastern Mediterranean. Drawing on his deep understanding of Cyprus and of Russia, Melakopides produced an important book that sheds light on both historical and contemporary problems.' - Igor Torbakov, Uppsala University, Sweden

Author Information

Costas Melakopides studied law, philosophy and politics in Greece, England and Canada before teaching International Relations. He joined the University of Cyprus as Assistant and Associate Professor (1996-2010). Since retiring from teaching, he has continued researching and publishing on the Cyprus problem; Greek-Turkish relations; EU-Cyprus relations; international ethics; and Russia-Cyprus relations. He has published numerous books, co-edited volumes, and journal articles.

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