To what extent were EOKA’s intelligence and counterintelligence activities successful against the British between 1955–1959?

Authors

  • Simon Couper University of St Andrews

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15664/jtr.1701

Keywords:

EOKA, Intelligence, Counterintelligence, Counterinsurgency, Insurgency, Grivas

Abstract

This paper evaluates the extent to which intelligence gathering and counterintelligence activities used by EOKA were successful against the British in Cyprus between 1955–1959. Material from The National Archives at Kew (UK) and the Cyprus State Archive at Nicosia (Cyprus) was examined and then compared to interview material collected from former EOKA commanders, who provided first-hand accounts of their intelligence and counterintelligence activities against the British Administration. The study concludes that, overall, EOKA’s intelligence gathering and counterintelligence activities were largely successful, but were underpinned by widespread intimidation against the British Administration and Greek-Cypriot community, which protected EOKA from infiltration.

Author Biography

Simon Couper, University of St Andrews

Simon Couper is an intelligence analyst focussing on insurgency and counterinsurgency. He has been employed across various demanding conflict zones, including Iraq and Afghanistan since 2005. He is a graduate of the University of St Andrews, earning an MLitt in Terrorism and Political Violence. Mr Couper was nominated for the prestigious Imbert Prize for his study on EOKA intelligence and counterintelligence, and was ultimately the runner-up.

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Published

2023-07-18

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 1 (2023): Contemporary Voices

Section

Articles

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