The Republic of Cyprus, the easternmost member of the European Union, is at the frontline of the EU’s activities in the Middle East. Throughout 2024, it has received widespread international praise for its crucial role in providing aid to Gaza. However, the growing risk of conflict on the Lebanese-Israeli border has now seen Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia, threaten the island. This precarious situation underscores Cyprus’s complex geopolitical position, balancing relations between the Middle East and the EU.
Traditionally, Cyprus has maintained strong ties with Europe and the Middle East. The island’s history of diverse rulers—from ancient Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines to the Ottomans and the British—reflects its strategic importance at the far eastern end of the Mediterranean. Post-independence in 1960, Cyprus navigated complex regional dynamics, forming close ties to its Arab neighbours. The 1974 Turkish invasion, resulting in the island’s division, deepened its ties with the Non-Aligned Movement and Middle Eastern countries, particularly as anti-Western sentiment grew. However, Cyprus’s EU membership in 2004 shifted its focus somewhat towards Europe but didn’t sever its Middle Eastern connections. Cyprus continues to be pivotal in EU’s humanitarian efforts in the Middle East, becoming an essential humanitarian hub, especially in crises like the Lebanese Civil War and the recent Gaza conflict. Yet, its increasing collaboration with Israel, especially after tensions between Israel and Turkey escalated, has complicated its position, drawing threats from Hezbollah.
*MY LATEST BOOK!*
Secession and State Creation: What Everyone Needs to Know
Oxford University Press
Amazon
*SUPPORT THE CHANNEL*
Hello and welcome! My name is James Ker-Lindsay, and here I take an informed look at International Relations, conflict, security, and statehood. If you like what you see, please subscribe. Even better, perhaps consider becoming a Channel Member or supporting the Channel through Patreon. Thank you!
SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE
BECOME A CHANNEL MEMBER
JOIN MY PATREON PAGE
*VIDEO CHAPTERS*
00:00 Introduction and Titles
00:47 Cyprus as a European and Middle Eastern State
01:36 Cyprus and Its Neighbourhood
02:30 A History of Cyprus: Between Europe and the Middle East
03:44 Cyprus, the Middle East and Non-Alignment
05:30 The Cyprus Problem and the Middle East
07:31 Cyprus, the EU and the Middle East
09:01 Improving Cyprus-Israel Relations
10:49 Hezbollah’s Threat Against Cyprus
12:53 Cyprus, the EU and Irsael: A Strategic Choice?
*SOURCES AND FURTHER READING*
President of Cyprus
Republic of Cyprus “ Ministry of Foreign Affairs
European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations
*EQUIPMENT USED TO MAKE THIS VIDEO*
*MAP CONTENT*
*DISCLAIMERS*
- The contents of this video and any views expressed in it were not reviewed in advance nor determined by any outside persons or organisation.
- Some of the links above are affiliate links. These pay a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps to support the channel and will be at no additional cost to you.
#Cyprus #MiddleEast #EU #Gaza #Israel
1 view
30
5
9 months ago 00:00:00 1
GAZA LIVE : Palestine, GAZA | Multi-cams | Stream #43
9 months ago 00:09:50 1
Патриарх Кирилл (Гундяев) и его изображение на фоне Троицы | Батюшка на Кипре
9 months ago 00:15:43 1
Управляй своей жизнью. [ Виктор Ефимов. Самая полезная лекция ]2021
9 months ago 00:02:38 1
Элджей - Wunder King [SAYONARA BOY x FREE FIRE]
9 months ago 00:07:40 1
❌ Турция уже не та! ПЕРЕЕЗД на Северный Кипр
9 months ago 09:09:35 1
EPT Cyprus Series - $ - Main Event Final Table– Northern Cyprus / Merit Royal Diamond
9 months ago 00:11:43 1
Кипр 2013
9 months ago 00:04:35 1
В ОКЕАН - МОРЕ | КОЛЕНКОРЪ
9 months ago 00:10:30 2
Animated short “Paths of Hate“ - by Platige Image
9 months ago 00:08:18 3
Захочешь-найдёшь.Реалити на Кипре
9 months ago 00:02:40 10
Коста Лакоста, Элджей - Бронежилет
9 months ago 00:12:17 1
Волейбол на Кипре / (2) / Лучшие моменты / Серия №41 | Volleyball in Cyprus / Highlights
9 months ago 00:01:01 1
Машина Времени на Кипре
9 months ago 01:14:08 1
Война на Кипре-1974. Греко-турецкий Донбасс.
9 months ago 00:00:11 1
Потрошитель это драконья версия Джонни | Драконья Сага | Wings of Fire | G R E A T N E S S ツ
9 months ago 00:07:17 1
Barcelona Declaration 1995: Why Europe is Committing Suicide
9 months ago 00:00:00 2
EPT CYPRUS 2023 LIVESTREAM: $5K MAIN EVENT - FINAL TABLE ♠️ PokerStars
9 months ago 00:00:43 1
На Кипре встретил таксиста с Кавказа
9 months ago 00:00:16 1
Women’s High Jump European Champion Elena Kulichenko
9 months ago 01:52:12 1
Развлечения для взрослых и роскошная жизнь: что скрывает Северный Кипр
9 months ago 00:03:57 1
Special Thanks to All My Fan Groups - Lindsey Stirling
9 months ago 00:03:04 21
Janis y Zoe [Someone] @ Everybody Salsa Cyprus Festival 2023 🌺
9 months ago 00:07:45 1
Влог. Кипр. Лимассол. Все что надо знать о Кипре. Отдых на Кипре.
9 months ago 00:00:00 1
EPT CYPRUS 2023 LIVESTREAM: $5K MAIN EVENT - DAY 5: Part 2 ♠️ PokerStars