Unfrozen Conflicts: Civil Society and Social Movements in the Republic of Cyprus

Abstract

This chapter attempts a systematic overview of civil society developments and social movement activities in the Republic of Cyprus following the de facto division of the island in 1974. Formal and informal groups and associations challenge the conventional view of a feeble civil society, while non-ideological protests frequently target government policies and regulations. The chapter also traces the mobilizational ebb and flow of protest against the Turkish occupation of northern Cyprus, as well as of bicommunal (Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot) grassroots initiatives for cooperation. It is argued that emerging Cypriot New Social Movements, in particular feminist, LGBTQI+, feminist and environmental movements, as well as movements for the rights of migrants (and the corresponding counter-movements) have grown considerably in recent decades. The chapter highlights a number of issues, frames and repertoires that are more prevalent in Cypriot collective action compared to other countries, for instance a fascination with borders/space and memory; it also lists some opportunities and challenges associated with the small size of the country.