The nationalist conflict in Cyprus is back on the front burner as reunification talks resume.
In parallel, MAAIS students are working through the issues on their own during a crisis negotiation exercise co-hosted by the U.S. Army War College. They were visited on Thursday by John Koenig, former ambassador to Cyprus, who presented a class lecture on the history of Cyprus reunification talks to help students prepare for their negotiation role–play. Following his lecture, students enjoyed a few minutes of Q&A with the ambassador about his career with the U.S. Department of State.
Professor Robert Pekkanen, who is heading the simulation experience, recently interviewed Ambassador Koenig as part of a podcast series detailing the Cyprus conflict. Listen to the full interview—in which the ambassador reflects on the roots of the Cypriot nationalist drama, what it means to be Cypriot, and the likelihood of island reunification—here.