Propaganda and the Cyprus Revolt

Rebellion, Counter-Insurgency and the Media, 1955-59

Maria Hadjiathanasiou

• Publisher: I.B. Tauris
• Year: 2020
• Print ISBN: 9780755637546
• eBook ISBN: 9781786726117
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Politics & International Relations
• Subtopic: Colonialism & Post-Colonialism
• Index: Politics & International Relations

During the EOKA period of Greek Cypriot revolt against British colonial rule, the Greek Cypriots and the British deployed propaganda as a means of swaying allegiances, both within Cyprus and on the international scene. Propaganda and the Cyprus Revolt places new emphasis on the vital role propaganda played in turning the tide against British colonial control over Cyprus. Examining the increase of violence and coercion during this period of revolt, this book examines how the opposing sides' mobilization of propaganda offered two alternative visions for the future of Cyprus that divided opinion, to the ultimate detriment of British counterinsurgency efforts. Detailing the deployment of propaganda by both parties across radio, television and print channels, the book draws upon previously unpublished archival material in order to paint a detailed picture of how the British Empire lost control over the hearts and minds of the Greek Cypriot people. This study shines new light on a crucial period of Cypriot history and contributes to wider transnational debates around the use of propaganda and the end of empire. This will be an essential read for students of Cyprus history and British colonial history.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Halftitle Page
• Title Page
• Contents 
• List of figures
• Foreword
• Abbreviations
• Timeline of key events
• 1 Introduction
• 2 ‘A task of first-rate importance’: Planning propaganda for Cyprus
• 3 ‘Stepping up our propaganda on Cyprus’, October 1955–October 1957
• 4 The propaganda offensive in sound, print and vision
• 5 ‘No one should expect dramatic results from propaganda’, November 1957–March 1959
• 6 Conclusion and avenues for further research
• Notes
• Bibliography
• Index
• Imprint