A Relationship in Transition: The 1974 Cyprus Crisis

Abstract

The 1974 Cyprus crisis signalled a new period in Greek–US relations. The Turkish invasion of Cyprus, the collapse of the Greek dictatorship, and the Greek withdrawal from NATO’s integrated command called for reconsideration and reassessment of Greek and US approaches to their bilateral relationship as well as their policies and strategies in the broader region. New challenges and new national security considerations shaped the Greek–US alliance. The Greek government discovered that Washington was the only ally willing and able to play a role in the Greek–Turkish dispute. For Athens the next challenge involved finding ways to ensure US political, military, and economic support. For Washington it remained imperative to limit damage to relations with both Greece and Turkey while preserving NATO’s integrity.