The Department of European Studies and International Relations
Would like to invite you to the
Research Seminar
An Invisible Strategic Asset:
The Geostrategic Significance of Cyprus for Whitehall and Washington 1945 – 2014
By
Petros Savvides
Historical Researcher, Defence Analyst
PhD cand. Modern History (Birmingham), MPhil History (Glasgow)
Wednesday, 5th of February, 2014
11:30 – 13:00
Room: M115 Conference Room, Millennium Building (1st floor)
University of Nicosia
Seminar Coordinator: Craig Webster
Abstract
The seminar presents the radical development of the geostrategic significance of Cyprus, from the decolonization of the Middle East and the emergence of the Cold War until today’s volatile geopolitical rearrangements in the region. It examines the importance of RAF Akrotiri in the development of an independent British Nuclear Deterrent (BND), the evolution of Over The Horizon (OTH) capabilities for the surveillance of ballistic missile tests and other strategic activities in the Asian heartland, the silent strategic reconnaissance flights (U-2) over locations of geopolitical interest, as well as the covert growth of extremely vital ELINT facilities for COMINT-SIGINT interception in the turbulent region of the Middle East. It also unveils the invisible but critical cooperation between the British Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) with the American National Security Agency (NSA), and concludes with the realization that the strategic activities of the transatlantic partners on the island can become an invaluable foreign policy and negotiating asset, for the Republic of Cyprus, if utilized wisely.
R.S.V.P. – Tel: 22841600, Email: [email protected]
