The politics of (re)unification: lessons from Yemen for Cyprus

Dingli, S. (2012) The politics of (re)unification: lessons from Yemen for Cyprus. Cyprus Review, 24(2), pp. 29-46.

Abstract

By embarking on a comparative engagement with the histories of division and the politics of (re)unification in Yemen and Cyprus this article draws tentative lessons for Cyprus from Yemen’s experience of (re)unification and its repercussions. It argues that the Yemeni case provides Cypriots with strategies for the de-legitimisation of narratives of intractability. However, despite some positive lessons, the greatest lesson the experience of Yemen should teach Cyprus is to avoid engaging in the politics of (re)unification under the guidance of opportunism and without any vestiges of prudence. Therefore, this article argues that for now, in light of the lessons Yemen has taught us, (re)unification should be avoided. It should only be revisited when prudence prevails on both sides.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Dingli, Dr Sophia
• Authors: Dingli, S.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Politics
• Journal Name: Cyprus Review
• Publisher: Intercollege - Research and Development Center
• ISSN: 1015-2881