Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Cyprus Policy Center (CPC) and Department of Political Science and International Relations co-organized a seminar titled “Geopolitical Constructions of De Facto States: From Actor-centred Interactions to Role Conceptions”. The opening speech of the event was delivered by Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sözen – Head of the Department of Political Sciences and International Relations and, Chair of EMU-CPC – who then introduced guest speaker Prof. Dr. Eiki Berg.
During the seminar moderated by Prof. Dr. Sözen, Prof. Dr. Berg examined the formation of the geopolitical roles of de facto states through the lens of role theory. He underlined that such roles are not determined solely by geographical factors—especially territory, natural resources, and population—but are also shaped by the perceptions of actors and their mutual interactions. Prof. Dr. Berg further noted that de facto states typically arise from secessionist conflicts and are situated within a triangular network of relationships involving the “parent state,” the “patron state,” and various “third parties”.
The presentation also offered insight on role conception, role prescription and role performance, noting that actors operate in accordance with both their self-perceived identities and the roles assigned to them by external actors. It was emphasized that role coherence and counter-role dynamics play a crucial role in this process. Prof. Dr. Berg underlined that de facto states are not passive structures, but rather strategic actors capable of shaping and constructing their own roles.
Held with strong participation, the seminar concluded following the question-and-answer session, during which evaluations were made regarding the status of de facto states in the international system and their geostrategic positions.
