Abstract:
In this paper, we examine public opinion on the potentials of a ‘common future’
arguably promoted by “other community perceptions”, “national / cultural identity”,
“top priority of national goals”, “index of Cypriotness”, and “trust” in Cyprus, from
the viewpoints of the two Cypriot Communities. The core question is what lies under
the differences in attitudes and expectations from the peace process between the two
communities? In other words, which factors determine Cypriots’ willingness for and
desirability of a peaceful solution to the Cyprus ‘impasse’? We suggest a close
relationship between ‘empathy’ shared by the two Cypriot communities and the
trust for community leaders, and prospects for a common future depleted from
misunderstandings, hatred and fears of ordinary citizens. This paper expects to
contribute to the discussion by providing possible suggestions for decision makers
for a ‘common future’ for common and long-term interests as desired by people yet
to be designed by the decision-makers themselves. To this end, we provide a
rigorous empirical investigation into comparative public attitudes presenting a
quantitative discussion of the “2009 - Cyprus 2015 – Research and Dialogue for a
Sustainable Future” survey.
Description:
Paper prepared for delivery at 51st Annual Convention of the International Studies
Association ‘Theory vs. Policy? Connecting Scholars and Practitioners’
New Orleans, LA / USA, Feb 18, 2010.