10. Conclusions: Old and New Right

In this book I have examined the development of Greek Cypriot nationalist right-wing party politics, from its inception under British colonial rule, to conflict with the communist party AKEL, and finally to its most radical expression, EOKA. At this time Cyprus was undergoing rapid social and political change, which included a new style of mass politics that the nationalist groups were initially unwilling to adjust to. The book offered evidence that this change was by no means a natural stage in the life of nationalist parties and organisations, in which they brought their practice automatically into line with the demands of a new age and new demands. However, a combination of factors—the growing popularity of the communists, the changing social terrain and the island’s imminent decolonisation—finally left the nationalist Right no choice but to change their political strategy. The most important factor in this decision was the communist challenge to the Right’s hegemony and primacy in internal politics.