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Cyprus Must Take Some Blame for 40 Years of a Rogue State

turkish republic of northern cyprus (trnc) political stalemate

Cyprus must shoulder some blame for the 40-year endurance of the unrecognized ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ (‘TRNC’). Despite international non-recognition and diplomatic efforts for unification, rejected settlement opportunities have allowed the ‘TRNC’ to thrive economically and solidify as a rogue state, with Turkish support and investments shaping the region.

Why Is Cyprus Partly to Blame for 40 Years of the ‘TRNC’ Existence?

Cyprus bears some responsibility for the endurance of the ‘TRNC’ due to rejected settlement opportunities, which have allowed the unrecognized state to economically progress and solidify over four decades, despite international non-recognition and ongoing diplomatic efforts for unification.

The Unrecognized ‘TRNC’

Forty years have passed since Turkish Cypriots marked the unilateral declaration of independence (UDI), leading to the establishment of the ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ (‘TRNC’). This territory, recognized only by Turkey, stands testament to decades of political stalemate. The presence of Turkish troops and fiscal support are the pillars of its existence. When funds from Ankara ebb, the ‘state’ often struggles to meet its obligations to public workers.

An Economy in Isolation

Although the ‘TRNC’ is cut off from direct global engagements—no direct flights or trade outside of Turkey—it has cultivated a thriving tourist sector. Foreign nationals, particularly Russians and Israelis, have snapped up properties, and private universities now beckon a diverse international student body. Luxury casinos and hotels have also popped up, contributing to a diversified economy.

Diplomatic Efforts and Current State

Efforts by Cyprus’s governments to thwart recognition of the ‘TRNC’ have borne fruit, thanks in part to the international community’s support for a unified settlement. And yet, despite a lack of formal recognition, the north has surged ahead economically, thanks to Turkish investment. The demographic has shifted dramatically with the influx from Turkey, raising concerns among Turkish Cypriots about becoming a minority.

Time and Opportunity Lost

The unyielding passage of time has seen Greek Cypriots reject successive settlement opportunities, perhaps holding out for a more favorable future. However, the north has transformed over the past four decades. Investments and land developments have reshaped the region. Meanwhile, Greek Cypriot protests and political declarations do little to alter this trajectory.

Developments in the Region

As the ‘TRNC’ celebrates its 40th anniversary, it’s clear that missed opportunities for settlement have allowed for its entrenchment. This is the landscape shaped by 40 years of separation—a burgeoning population, a robust economy, and significant changes that have outpaced diplomatic resolutions.


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Quick Recap

  • Cyprus bears some responsibility for the endurance of the unrecognized ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ (‘TRNC’) due to rejected settlement opportunities.
  • The ‘TRNC’ relies on Turkish troops and fiscal support for its existence, and struggles financially when funds from Ankara decrease.
  • Despite being cut off from direct global engagements, the ‘TRNC’ has a thriving tourist sector and a diversified economy.
  • Efforts to thwart recognition of the ‘TRNC’ have been partially successful, but Turkish investment has allowed it to thrive economically.
  • Greek Cypriots have rejected settlement opportunities, leading to the transformation of the ‘TRNC’ over the past four decades.

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