The domestic dynamics of Turkey’s Cyprus policy: implications for Turkey’s accession to the European Union

Abstract:

This essay examines the interplay between the domestic dynamics of Turkish foreign policy regarding Cyprus by identifying the main themes formulated by Erdogan’s JDP government and its implications for Turkey’s EU membership. It argues that considering the Cyprus issue - once regarded a major obstacle for Turkey’s EU bid - as no longer constituting a problem for Turkey’s membership has been shortsighted. It concludes that JDP’s policy has gradually made the Cyprus issue a precondition for the opening and success of the accession talks, which would in turn be counterproductive with respect to Turkey’s EU membership in the medium to long term.