Border Creation in Cyprus: Contested History and the Psychodynamic Perspective of Vamik Volkan

This paper applies the psychoanalytical concepts of social group formation and distinction developed by Vamik Volkan – externalization, minor differences projection, chosen trauma and glories, dehumanization, victimization, and ethnic identity – to analyse the historical, psychological and political barriers between Turkish and Greek Cypriots. This discussion serves as both an application and an illustration of Volkan’s work in relation to the Cyprus conflict. The paper concludes that historical and psychological barriers among the conflict parties will have to be addressed in order to achieve a political solution like the Annan Plan and to establish a lasting peace.