Discourses of "the Balkans" in Cyprus: Tactics, strategies and constructions of "others"

Abstract

While the issue of constructions of "others" from the perspective of established centres of power has received a significant amount of attention, constructions of "others" from the perspective of peripheral societies have not been adequately explored. This article examines this issue by comparing constructions of "the Balkans" articulated by Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. Such constructions, are in turn, compared with those emanating from "the West" in order to highlight their differences. The author suggests that societies centrally located within the hierarchy of power are able to develop more stable representations of "others", while those located outside centres of power only develop ephemeral and shifting interest in other societies, beyond the usual specific preoccupations with neighbouring "national enemies".