With a combination of diplomats and academics, the League will mark the fiftieth anniversary of the invasion of Cyprus and the fall of the regime of the Greek Colonels.  We will focus on how opinion in Britain interpreted these events, and their legacy, and their impact on British government policy and strategy.  The events of 1974 were a landmark with many different dimensions: a tragic conflict and division in Cyprus, a transition to democracy in Greece, and a strategic juncture for Western powers in the region.  Fifty years after these events, we explore what we have learned and what remains in question. This event takes place in partnership with the Hellenic Observatory Centre of the LSE. The event will be hybrid, taking place online and at the LSE.

Part One: Eyewitness to history

In conversation with Sir Roger Tomkys (British Embassy in Athens, 1972-1975) [video].

Part Two:  Interpreting 1974 and its consequences.

Dr. Konstantina Maragkou (LSE/ Newcastle).  Author: Britain, Greece and The Colonels, 1967-74: A Troubled Relationship

Dr. Eirini Karamouzi (Panteion/ Sheffield). Senior Lecturer in Contemporary History. Author, Greece, the EEC and the Cold War, 1974-1979.

Prof. Neophytou Loizides (University of Warwick).  Professor in International Conflict Analysis.

Chaired by Prof. Kevin Featherstone (LSE). Professor Emeritus and Chair-designate of the Council of the League

Panel discussion and contributions from the audience.

The event will take place in person at the Shaw Library of the LSE and by a livestreamed Zoom webinar. Prior registration is necessary for each. Entry is free. A reception will follow for those attending in person.

To register to attend in person, click here.

To register to watch the livestreamed Zoom webinar, click here.