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The study of International Relations has been dominated from its inception by the realist school, which contends that the international political system is ultimately anarchic and lawless, and that countries must therefore be ready to fight and defend themselves. In the twentieth century we see the rise of Wilsonian Idealism that holds that cooperation between countries built round common economic and political goals, and cemented through institutional dynamics, furthers a global peace agenda. This chapter uses the case of Cyprus, where a doctrine of realism has long been entrenched and reflected in the island's division. This division is maintained through standing armies, the use of force, and a dialectic of animosity and threat. This chapter makes an attempt to illustrate the importance of peace studies and the doctrine of idealism to affect conflict resolution. In particular it focuses on the recent changes in educational trends particularly in the "buffer zone." The chapter assesses both the contribution of these to the present climate characterized by a "cold peace" and their potential to create a future scenario where the island can make the transition to a "real peace"; a scenario where Cypriots learn to understand, accept, and live with diversity.

DOI: 10.1007/978-1-137-38212-2_10

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