Changing patterns of euroscepticism in Cyprus: European discourse in a divided polity and society

Abstract

This article aims to map the extent and the causality of party and popular Cypriot euroscepticism. It traces the latter's changing patterns at both the elite and popular levels and analyses contextual factors and idiosyncratic features in a divided polity and society. It concludes that key turning points are definitely linked to the country's political problem. Party-based euroscepticism displays both strategic and ideological characteristics. Parallel to soft euroscepticism, an economic and policy-based euroscepticism has emerged, displaying a shift from nested to mainstream euroscepticism. © 2011 Taylor & Francis.