Negotiating a ‘Frozen’ Conflict in Academia: Reflections on Youth, Peace-Making and the Cyprus Divide

The Cypriot High Commission hosts an event on 25 February, organised by Ethan Chandler, an undergraduate student in the School of Geography and the Environment.
Everyday peace-making among young Cypriots is a dynamic and grassroots process shaped by the island’s complex history. Cyprus has long been divided and the island has been split into the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus in the south and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in the north, recognized by Turkey. This division has fostered inter-communal tensions, deeply affecting the social fabric of the island.
Current undergraduate student Ethan Chandler, together with Melek Kaptanoglu (Anthropology, Queen’s University Belfast) and Andreas Papallas (Sustainable Urban Development, University of Oxford) have been invited to discuss the Cyprus divide and the role of youth in the peace-making process at the Cypriot High Commission in London. With his dissertation research in the area of youth identity and everyday peace-making in Cyprus, conducted 50 years after the division of the island in 1974, Ethan will explore the processes of everyday peace-making amongst young Cypriots.
In recent years, young Cypriots from both communities have increasingly sought ways to engage in peace-building and bridge the divides. Initiatives such as joint youth organizations, cross-community dialogues, and collaborative cultural events have emerged as key forms of everyday peace-making. Many young people, especially those born after the conflict, are eager to create a future of coexistence, emphasizing shared identity and mutual respect. While the political situation remains complex, these grassroots efforts are fostering greater understanding and connections across ethnic lines, offering hope for future reconciliation and peace.
Having adopted an everyday lens when conducting my research, I made every effort to ensure that the meaning of the research was not lost amidst the (geo)political complexities. I wanted to place the experiences of participants and Cypriots in general at the heart of my writing.
Now, I am very excited to be organising this event at the Cypriot High Commission in London, along with Melek Kaptanoğlu and Andreas Papallas. It promises to be an excellent opportunity to discuss the Cyprus conflict from different academic perspectives and build upon our shared experiences from recent research projects.
Ethan Chandler
The event highlights will include:
- Panel Discussion: the panellists will share insights from their academic research and fieldwork, delving into themes such as everyday peace-making, the urban geography of Nicosia, and conflict resolution.
- Interdisciplinary Dialogue: the conversation will explore how young people and diverse communities across Cyprus are navigating and transforming contested spaces through activism, cultural performances, and sustainable urban planning.
- Q&A Session: attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the speakers and pose questions on related themes.
Book a free place for this evening of interdisciplinary dialogue with British and Cypriot academics who will discuss research, findings and shared experiences.