Policy brief
Published:
Torn between Security, Dependence and Autonomy: Turkish Cypriot Public Opinion on Türkiye’s Role in the North of Cyprus
Written by
Sinem Arslan
Visiting Fellow at the London School of Economics and Political Science
Nina Caspersen
Professor of Political Science and Associate Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of York
Ed.
Summary:
De facto states lacking international recognition rely on external patrons for survival, giving them leverage over local politics. However, this leverage may be limited when local preferences diverge. Drawing on a survey and elite interviews in the selfdeclared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, this report explains how Turkish Cypriots’ reliance on Türkiye for security coexists with opposition to Ankara’s political intervention, shaping electoral preferences at odds with patron’s interests. Security concerns sustain dependence, while demands for autonomy
persist. The findings call for security guarantees in UN-led reunification efforts, and respect for Turkish Cypriot political autonomy.
persist. The findings call for security guarantees in UN-led reunification efforts, and respect for Turkish Cypriot political autonomy.
- Published year: 2026
- Publisher: Norwegian Institute of International Affairs
- Page count: 4
- Language: English
- Volume: 2026
- Booklet: 22
Written by
Sinem Arslan
Visiting Fellow at the London School of Economics and Political Science
Nina Caspersen
Professor of Political Science and Associate Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of York