Military

The Cyprus Dispute: A Major Source of Tension in NATO

Austin Smith

Published: September 7, 2024 12:30 pm

Key Points:

• Cyprus Conflict: Ongoing division between Greek and Turkish parts of Cyprus is a key NATO tension.
• Aegean Disputes: Greece and Turkey face unresolved maritime disputes, risking conflict.
• Diplomacy Needed: Resolving these issues requires careful diplomatic efforts within NATO.
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The ongoing tensions between Greece and Turkey, particularly over Cyprus, which remains divided between a Greek-aligned south and a Turkish-aligned north since the 1974 conflict. Cyprus represents the most significant internal issue within NATO today, with a UN buffer zone and unresolved disputes over its future as either a unified or two-state entity. Additional tensions between Greece and Turkey involve territorial disputes over islands in the Aegean Sea, which have brought the two nations close to conflict in the past. While the situation is tense, there is a possibility for resolution through careful diplomacy, reflecting the complexities and challenges within NATO. Despite these internal conflicts, NATO remains a historically successful alliance, and there is optimism that its members can navigate these issues.

The Cyprus Problem: A Lingering Internal Issue for NATO

• Cyprus is a divided island with significant Greek and Turkish populations, leading to longstanding tensions between Greece and Turkey.
• The conflict dates back to the 1950s and 1960s, intensifying in 1974 when a Greek-backed coup led to a Turkish invasion.
• Today, Cyprus remains divided into the Republic of Cyprus (Greek-aligned in the south) and Northern Cyprus (Turkish-aligned), separated by a UN-enforced buffer zone.

Additional Points of Contention Between Greece and Turkey

• Maritime Disputes in the Aegean Sea: Greece and Turkey have disputes over control of several islands in the Aegean, many of which are very close to Turkey’s Anatolian coast.
  • These disputes nearly led to war in 1996, when tensions escalated over accusations of Greek militarization of the islands and an incident involving a freighter and the downing of an F-16.
  • Another flare-up occurred in 2020, highlighting the ongoing volatility of the situation.
• Historical and Territorial Tensions: The disputes over territory and maritime boundaries stem from unresolved issues dating back to the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne, which were reopened after World War II.

Prospects for Resolution and Diplomatic Efforts

• The tensions between Greece and Turkey are characterized as “tense but salvageable,” with the potential for resolution if both sides are willing to engage in careful and diplomatic negotiations.
• American intervention has previously played a role in preventing conflicts between the two NATO members, suggesting that external mediation could be necessary.

Conclusion: NATO’s Ongoing Challenges and Future Outlook

• Despite internal conflicts and tensions, NATO remains one of the most successful and long-standing alliances in history, serving its intended purpose of collective defense.
• The path forward for NATO will depend on managing internal politics and maintaining a willingness to resolve disputes among its members.
• While the future of NATO is uncertain, there are reasons for optimism if the alliance can navigate its internal challenges effectively.