The implementation of the “Amalthia” initiative to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza through a maritime corridor from Cyprus undoubtedly contributes to upgrading its geopolitical footprint our country.
The utilization of said “window of opportunity” is a successful example of how small states, such as Cyprus, can take advantage of opportunities presented in the international system by aligning their interests with those of the great powers.
“Compass” of our movements, however, in any case, must undoubtedly be a high strategy, which through the utilization of the country's power factors, will contribute to the achievement of defined targets.
The window of opportunity
In a region that exports instability, the opportunity for Cyprus presented itself for the third time in a short period of time – after the contribution to the crisis in Sudan and the realization of the project “Estia” – to function in addition to being a safe transit hub and an important security enabler in the turbulent region of the Greater Middle East.
The undertaking of the initiative to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza, which has introduced the Republic of Cyprus to the world map of humanitarian and peace operations, strengthening its role as a hub for humanitarian and peace operations in the Eastern Mediterranean, it is important, if only from the point of view that it has demonstrated that Cypriot Diplomacy can, instead of passively following developments, influence them to its advantage. The plan in question has succeeded in drawing support from other actors such as the US and the UAE because it adds value not only to Cyprus, but also to the other states allied with it, thus setting a beneficial example for the future.< /p>
At the same time, in a period where multilateralism is questioned, the contribution of Cyprus to the conduct of the multilateral operation, to provide aid to a region plagued by a humanitarian crisis, has its own importance, while at the same time, the value of the geostrategic position is highlighted of the island as a bridge between Europe and the Middle East and its role as an EU member state in the Greater Middle East region. Additionally, the visibility of Cyprus in the international media contributes to strengthening its positive image< /strong>, especially after a long period in which it occupied the foreign media with a negative connotation.
It is therefore demonstrated that in the anarchic international system, small states, such as Cyprus, can identify “windows of opportunity “, promoting their interestsand achieve goals, always depending on other factors, such as the form of the international system (bipolar, multipolar, etc.) and the relations between the great powers. However, it should be emphasized that reaping benefits, through the exploitation of current opportunities, is not enough to make Cyprus a major player in the region, which requires an upgraded high strategy with a holistic vision and specific goals.
The need for strategy
The formulation of realistic of high strategy, through the development, mobilization and combined use of the various means of power, is a vital issue for any state in a changing international environment, let alone a small state like Cyprus, which remains semi-occupied, with new security problems.
A high strategy must give clear directions as to drawing up the various policies, such as foreign policy, security policy, economic policy, depending on the objectives pursued and the conditions prevailing in the international system.
For example, in field of foreign policythe “Amalthia” initiative reveals Cyprus' commitment to its western orientation, at a time when it is clear that the current circumstances favor Cyprus becoming an advanced outpost of the West in the region, leaving behind definitively the neutrality and the role that in the decade of 1960 gave her the negative description of “whore of the Near East, sometimes thrown into the Russian arms, sometimes into the British arms” (Eleftheria newspaper).
In Economy, on the other hand, after the adventures with the golden passport policy, a healthy economic model needs to be developed, long-term beneficial for the entire population. For example, would we like to become a model state in the provision of services or a sophisticated educational center in the region?
The goals set in each areathey also lead to the individual strategies towards the realization of an overall vision, through the use and upgrading of available means.
We must bear in mind that in addition to the influence of the international system on decision-making, in a state level, in terms of characteristics that influence the strategy that a small state will choose, as the late Professor of International Relations Ilias Kouskouvelis has pointed out, important factors are geography, sources of wealth, population, armed forces and ability their mobilization, the political system, its administration and the prestige that the state enjoys at the international level. In addition to hard power, through the strengthening of its soft power, the state consolidates itself, through a mechanism of strengthening its footprint and transforms into an active actor with international appeal.
At an individual level of analysis. , Professor Ilias Kouskouvelis has emphasized the importance of leadership and leader intelligence and exerting influence through a charismatic personality with acumen and determination. An example of a personality leader who contributed to the foreign policy of a small state is that of Eleftherios Venizelos in Greece.
In terms of strategic choices, participation in alliancesfor a small state they are out of nowhere, not only for its survival and to deal with threats to its sovereignty and integrity, but also for obtaining benefits, since they act as power multipliers. In particular with regard to Cyprus, it is worth noting that the building of regional cooperation relations with states of the region leads to the qualitative strengthening of its functional role in the Middle East region.
In addition, beneficial for a small state can is participation in international organizationss, since through them they can promote changes beneficial to all the weakest states and their position in the world, they can promote their interests, while within them rules are created, which bind all states, small and large.< /p>
The principle of self-help
In any case, however, it must be emphasized that despite the participation of small states in international organizations and alliances, only it's their own power factors that will ensure territorial integrity and independence for their citizens.
The increase in power coefficients, through the strengthening of the armed forces and the internal institutions of the state, are necessary conditions for the creation of beneficial alliance relations of a small country, such as Cyprus, with large forces, without being trapped in a relationship of dependence.
It is finally worth noting that in a rapidly changing era, with multiple threats and an information minefield, decision-makers are called to reconsider their strategy if they want to lead the their citizens in safe harbors.
