The role of operational code and the Cyprus negotiations: the case of Derviş Eroğlu as the Turkish Cypriot leader

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aims to contribute to the literature on the Cyprus negotiations at the individual level and to identify the political-psychological factors underlying the negotiations through operational code analysis. Moreover, it also aims to analyze the role of operational code in intercommunal negotiations at the macro-function level. Using the Verbs In Context System (VICS) method, a quantitative variant of the operational code approach, this study examines President Eroğlu’s verbs in his public statements between 2010 and 2015 when he was in office and measures his political beliefs in the context of the Cyprus negotiations. It then discusses the macro-functionality of his operational code, especially at the domestic level. The external dimension of the operational code of Eroğlu related to his beliefs about the other was identified as ‘conflicting,’ but the internal dimension related to his beliefs about himself as ‘somewhat cooperative.’ In terms of macro-functionality, it was reported that Eroğlu’s operational code was far from serving the federal vision in intercommunal talks. Besides, it was concluded that his overall operational code contributed to the reproduction of the status quo and related nationalist and ethicist dominant identities in both the north and south of Cyprus.