Cyprus: Political Modernity and the Structures of Democracy in a Divided Island

Abstract

Abstract This article discusses political and democratic development in Cyprus. Compared to the other nations discussed, Cyprus is a complicated case. The complicated nature of the Cyprus case is due to the stunted growth of political modernity and democracy in the nation during the colonial period and the disturbances caused by civil war and invasion. Modern democracy in Cyprus remains weak. The weakness and the slow progress of democracy and political modernity in the country are due to the perpetuation of conflicts and systematic tumours caused by the ongoing state of exception on both sides. While democracy and political modernity in the nation is facing a rough patch, the membership of Cyprus in the European Union brings about hope. Through its membership in the EU, it is hope that the irregularities of governance and democratic deficit in Cyprus will be ironed out. Even then, however, the united federal state of Cyprus must overcome the traditional and entrenched familial and clientelist networks of the nation that hinder the open and pluralistic functioning of the democratic processes.