AbstractsPolitical Science

This project investigates, through 4 key aspects how the events following the 2011 Cypriot natural gas discoveries potentially could, and has affected the relationship between Turkey and the EU. The project is a case study, written on a rational institutionalist foundation, assuming rational state behavior from Turkey concerning institutional involvement with the EU. Escalation of Turkish aggression towards Cyprus since we set out the project has dominantly influenced the outcome of the project conclusion. On one hand it has greatly lowered the prospects of utilizing the enormous potential of the case fully to benefit both the EU, Turkey and Cyprus. On the other hand it has also evoked us to rethink state rationalism in a complex international arena with many actors and variables.