The Cyprus dispute in the context of the Greek-Turkish energy rivalry in the Mediterranean

This thesis aims at analyzing the Cyprus conflict in the context of the Greek-Turkish energy competition in the Eastern Mediterranean with emphasis on historical, geographical and economic aspects. The paper reviews the history of the conflict which started as a political and ethnic dispute between the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots and how it has developed into a global issue involving such international actors as the European Union, the United States and other Middle Eastern countries. Thesis describes how the discovery of natural gas reserves has increased competition for Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), maritime boundaries, and energy resources in the region. Also, the work seeks to present the strategic approaches of Greece, Turkey and Cyprus in maritime jurisdiction analyzing how these countries navigate energy diplomacy and regional power dynamics. Additionally, a significant focus on international law is being presented, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and its implementation in the Eastern Mediterranean region. In view of this, the paper is organized into three chapters to examine Cyprus’s strategic value, the stance of the major players in the conflict, and the potential for peace or the integration of the warring factions. It also focuses on analyzing energy as a factor to increase confrontation as well as a way to encourage cooperation in the region. The study concludes that while energy resources have heightened existing disputes, they also hold the promise of fostering dialogue and stability if managed through multilateral approaches and equitable resource-sharing agreements among key actors in the Eastern Mediterranean.