AHIF Student Foreign Policy Trip Participants Describe their Personal Experiences
WASHINGTON -The American Hellenic Institute Foundation (AHIF) has released a collection of 10 student essays authored by participants in the 17th Annual American Hellenic Institute Foundation Foreign Policy College Student Trip, held in June–July 2025 across Washington, D.C., Greece, and the Republic of Cyprus.
“The students’ firsthand exposure to leaders and institutions transforms classroom knowledge into lived understanding, offering them unique insights into the U.S. interests in Greece and the Republic of Cyprus,” President Nick Larigakis said. “We are proud of this amazing group of students and their commitment to service, advocacy, and strengthening these important ties.”
The essays highlight perspectives on regional security, diplomacy, and civic engagement, informed by briefings with policymakers, diplomats, and military officers. In their reflections, students address issues such as maritime security, energy, humanitarian operations, regional alliances, and the ongoing impact of the 1974 invasion of the Republic of Cyprus.
The three-week program began with briefings in Washington, D.C., followed by site visits and meetings in Athens; Souda Bay, Crete; Alexandroupolis; Nicosia; and the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus.
Reimagining Roots: A Foreign Policy Journey through Greece and Cyprus
By Sophia Alexis
The date on the boarding passes – covered with dust and grime but still clearly visible – read 1974. They weren’t in a museum; they had been haphazardly scattered on a dust-covered floor in a building that hadn’t been used in fifty years – not since the Turkish invasion of Cyprus and subsequent ceasefire left the entire Nicosia airport in the United Nations–created buffer zone, legally prohibited from development or renovation. Staring at this world frozen in time, I felt a new mix of emotions that would gradually become familiar throughout my experience on the American Hellenic Institute College Student Foreign Policy Trip: a feeling of grounding in history, solidarity with my peers and, most piercingly, a sense of complete reevaluation of what I thought I knew.
Initially, the setup for the program had seemed straightforward: ten Greek American college students, three countries, three weeks. When we set off, most of us had a similarly nostalgic view of Greece and Cyprus. We pictured the countries largely in terms of tradition – a faraway place our ancestors had left, the food they ate, and the way they danced. This program, as our chaperones Alexander Christofor and Nick Larigakis explained, was intended to update our vision. They encouraged us, students on the precipice of careers in foreign policy, politics, and business, to view the nations in a new light as the modern military, economic, and diplomatic powers they had become – in addition to critical allies for the United States.
The trip began with five days in Washington, D.C. We spent our time getting to know various players in the relationship, visiting Congress, the State Department, and the Greek and Cypriot embassies. We learned critical context for the American side of the relationship, and as a D.C. resident, I felt right at home.
However, I was completely unprepared for Cyprus. None of us had ever visited before, and as our plane descended onto the island, I found myself trying to square this sun-drenched island, scattered with olive trees and gleaming stucco roofs, with the brutal history of invasion and violence that I had read about. Indeed, this sense of contradiction never left me during our stay. During a visit to the Turkish-occupied portion of the island, we saw groups of happy tourists tanning on a beach directly in front of the abandoned and shelled neighborhood of Varosha, knowingly or unknowingly patronizing businesses operating in flagrant violation of the UN ceasefire agreement. We wandered through ancient streets filled with young people enjoying a night out just meters away from soldiers guarding checkpoints with AK-47s. I was most inspired by the Cypriot government officials we met, who explained their vision of a unified future for all Cypriots, Greek and Turkish, while acknowledging the current stark status quo of separation.
Though the ground reality was less poignant in Greece, I still felt a sense of disconnect. We listened to military officials tell us about Turkish air, land, and sea territorial incursions that took place in cloudless skies and turquoise waters. In the sparkling crystal sea of Souda Bay, on the island of Crete, we zoomed past a mix of ancient castles, dramatic mountains, and sturdy frigates on military-grade dinghies piloted by naval officers. In the northern town of Alexandroupoli, we visited a museum that explored the rich cultural history of Thrace and then looked out on the swampy waters of a port that served as one of the most critical depots for Ukrainian aid.
As the trip began to wind down, I realized that the sense of disparity I had felt came from a much deeper place. Fundamentally, I had associated Greece and Cyprus with sun, sea, and family growing up. Though my father had grown up in Athens and I spoke the language, I had no sense of Greece or Cyprus as modern, capable nations.
The most transformative part of the experience was recognizing how deeply entrenched narratives can blind us to the full scope of a country’s identity. My view of Greece and Cyprus had been filtered through the lens of diaspora nostalgia — beautiful but blurry. This trip cleared up that fog. I saw Greece as a NATO-aligned force with strategic maritime value and regional influence. I saw Cyprus not merely as a divided island, but as a resilient democracy actively engaged in diplomacy, defense, and the slow process of reconciliation.
I left the trip with a sharpened awareness that foreign policy is not only about treaties and troop movements — it’s about people. It’s about the young Cypriot students we met who continue to organize peace dialogues despite growing up in a divided city. It’s about diplomats who work day-after-day to explain their country’s strategic worth in international terms while still grappling with the human cost of unresolved conflict.
In many ways, this experience did not just update my view of Greece and Cyprus — it challenged me to confront the limits of my own understanding. I boarded the plane home not only with souvenirs and notes, but with a new lens through which to view the world: one that prioritizes nuance, contextual thinking, and, critically, empathy.
Sophia Alexis is majoring in Science, Technology, and International Affairs at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service. She participated in the seventeenth annual AHIF Foreign Policy College Student Trip to Washington, D.C., Greece, and Cyprus, sponsored by the American Hellenic Institute Foundation.
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Realities in the Aegean: Diplomacy Beyond the Classroom
By Louis Amurgis
Persistent tensions over air and maritime boundaries have made high alert not just a choice but a necessity for the Greek military. This was one of the most immediate and eye-opening lessons I quickly learned during the AHIF Foreign Policy Trip. The trip offered a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to engage with some of the most influential individuals in the Hellenic Republic and the Republic of Cyprus — including policymakers, diplomats, presidents, and many high-ranking military officials. It provided us with unparalleled access to a true “diplomatic experience,” one that was filled with complex and rigorous briefings that deepened our understanding of the pressing geopolitical challenges facing both nations. Over the course of three weeks, my worldview completely changed. I had gone my whole life only seeing this through the lens of a classroom, but to see it in person — especially as someone who had never traveled to Greece before — expanded my understanding much further than I could’ve imagined.
Before embarking on the trip, I was particularly eager to meet with military personnel. Greece and the Republic of Cyprus are both positioned in a precarious region facing constant threats, and they have taken it upon themselves to promote stability and peace in the region. This responsibility requires a strong military presence to ensure security. Greece is under constant harassment from the Turkish military — a military and government which continually tests the legally backed territorial claims of both Greece and the Republic of Cyprus.
This reality was made even more vivid during our visit to the 115th Air Combat Wing located in Souda Bay, Crete, a base that plays a critical role in Greece’s air defense. Upon arrival, the sky was already immersed in the sound of F-16 Vipers taking off rapidly to respond to an incursion. The ever-present strain placed on the Hellenic Air Force was apparent immediately. We learned that Greek pilots must routinely intercept manned and unmanned Turkish aircraft, some of which violate Greek airspace several times a day. Many of these incursions now come in the form of drones, which complicate the dynamics of air defense as they pose new questions about the evolution of air conflict.
Turkey’s persistent and baseless claims over Greek territory — including roughly half of the Aegean Sea — have forced Greece to remain in a near-constant state of vigilance. These aggressive actions and rhetoric not only undermine international law but also threaten to normalize the constant infringement of sovereign airspace.
These threats, however, are not confined to the skies. As many of our briefings emphasized, maritime security remains just as vital. Turkey has long disputed the sovereignty of several Greek islands and continues to conduct unauthorized exploratory drilling within the exclusive economic zones of both Greece and the Republic of Cyprus. These actions pose significant economic and security risks, particularly as maritime trade and energy resources are paramount to both countries’ national interests.
The Eastern Mediterranean has long been a stage for conflict and diplomacy. Yet during our time in Greece and Cyprus, the region transformed from a distant spot on a map into something far more real and human. These issues affect the lives of so many people: fishermen, airmen, diplomats, and entire communities who live under the shadow of potential conflict. This didn’t fully strike me until I saw it in person. The pilots and personnel of the combat wing live with a deep emotional intensity. The necessity for constant readiness requires mental fortitude and a willingness to put your life on the line to defend your homeland.
As time has passed since this experience, I’ve found myself returning to the conversations and faces we encountered. What once seemed like distant geopolitical issues now feel deeply personal. An even deeper realization has taken root: behind every political headline lies a network of individuals, like those in the 115th Air Combat Wing, working with quiet determination to maintain stability. It’s a fragile peace, one that depends on high-level diplomacy and everyday readiness from those on the ground.
What I once reduced to news blurbs or passing mentions — terms like “airspace violations” or “EEZ disputes” — are lived realities for the people I met. These weren’t abstract policies; they were the daily burdens carried by real people with families, fears, and a strong dedication to their homeland. These moments serve as a powerful reminder that diplomacy is not simply practiced in foreign ministries but also in the cockpit of a fighter jet or on the deck of a naval ship.
Louis Amurgis is a rising junior and a Dean’s List student in the College of Arts and Sciences at The Ohio State University. He’s majoring in economics and minoring in world politics and public policy. He participated in the seventeenth annual AHIF Foreign Policy College Student Trip to Washington, D.C., Greece, and Cyprus, sponsored by the American Hellenic Institute Foundation.
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Never Forget: Confronting Unspoken Realities
By Ana Arzoumanidis
“What even is Cyprus? Why not just go to Greece?” I often encountered this question when recounting my summer plans.
Greece has always been my second home. As a grandchild of four Greek immigrants, I grew up frequently visiting Greece with my family, enjoying ice cream at the periptero, driving up mountains to visit my grandparents’ horios, dancing kalamatiano on the rooftop of my apartment building. Back home in America, I took great pride in my heritage, attending a Greek Orthodox church weekly, going to Greek school and Greek festivals, and surrounding myself with a strong community of Greek American friends.
Yet, somehow, before hearing about the AHIF Foreign Policy Trip, the number of times I had heard of the Republic of Cyprus could probably be counted on one hand. It wasn’t that I didn’t care about international issues; I was an active member of my high school’s Policy Debate and Model United Nations teams. Even so, Cyprus was never a country represented in my numerous Model UN conferences, nor was it mentioned a single time in my AP European History course. My year-long debate topic was NATO security cooperation, yet I never once heard about the Turkish occupation of Cyprus. Thus, when I discovered that a large portion of the trip would take place in Cyprus, I was immediately intrigued. I asked my dad, a history buff, who explained the nation’s divided state and ongoing Turkish occupation. This short description would be nowhere near sufficient to prepare me for what I was about to witness. It wasn’t my dad’s fault; no explanation possibly could have been.
During my visit, it quickly became abundantly clear that Cyprus was divided in every sense of the word. Since the island is so small, the division is impossible to ignore. Our first dinner in Nicosia was a 20-second walk from a UN buffer zone checkpoint. We saw posters displaying horror stories of small acts of resistance in the occupied area, such as Solomos Solomou, a 26-year-old man killed, shot three times by Turkish troops while attempting to remove a Turkish flag from its mast. On our walk on the beach in Famagusta in the occupied area, we watched as people vacationed to our right, with dilapidated buildings that had been untouched since the 1974 invasion on our left. We saw destroyed cemeteries and churches.
One of the most appalling sights was the massive flag of the so-called “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus,” which only Turkey recognizes. The flag was imprinted onto a large mountain facing the southern area controlled by the Republic of Cyprus and lit up at night, aiming to attract as much attention as possible. Next to it is a motto that translates to, “How happy is the one who can say ‘I am a Turk.’”
Seeing these sights filled me with immense anger, frustration, and sadness. I couldn’t help but wonder why no one ever talked about this. When Russia invaded Ukraine, most people in the U.S. were absolutely appalled, instantly discussing ways that the U.S. could provide aid to Ukraine. It was always a question of how much aid to provide, not whether it should be given in the first place. Yet, when Turkey, a NATO member state, illegally occupies Cyprus and visibly flaunts it in blatant violation of international law for 51 years, most people don’t even know it is happening — even Greek Americans.
The U.S.’s collaboration with Greece and Cyprus does not need to be one-sided — it can be mutually beneficial. The trip revealed a completely new side of the Hellenic Republic as a modern military power in the Eastern Mediterranean: a strong ally and pillar of stability at the crossroads of geopolitical conflict and tensions across the Balkans, the Middle East, and North Africa. Despite its small size, Cyprus serves as the primary hub for humanitarian evacuations from conflict areas in the Middle East, such as Israel, ensuring the safety of U.S. citizens abroad.
“Δεν ξεχνώ.” Never forget. These were the words plastered over posters across Cyprus and repeated to me by the military officers we shared meals with. And I never will.
Now, when people ask me how my trip was, I tell them about what I saw. I don’t try to sugarcoat reality or pretend the situation is not as grave as it is. Because if these realities go unspoken, who will bring them to light? Who will talk about the suffering the Cypriot people have endured for so many years? Who will question why one illegal occupation makes headlines daily, while another is blatantly ignored? Continued silence only allows injustice to persist.
The trip inspired me to share what I saw and use my career to make a difference. As future leaders, if we want change, we must create it for ourselves. As the President of the Cyprus House of Representatives Annita Demetriou said, we must resist giving up because things are “negative, toxic, and unchangeable” and instead “choose hope and changing things.” Otherwise, nothing ever will.
Ana Arzoumanidis is a rising sophomore at Dartmouth College, expected to graduate in 2028, majoring in History and Quantitative Social Science, with plans to attend law school post-graduation. She participated in the seventeenth annual AHIF Foreign Policy College Student Trip to Washington, D.C., Greece, and Cyprus, sponsored by the American Hellenic Institute Foundation.
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Reframing My Connection to Greece and the Republic of Cyprus
By Alexi Colettis
I thought I knew Greece — its culture, its history, my own heritage — but nothing prepared me for the profound lessons and eye-opening experiences that the AHIF Foreign Policy College Student Trip to Greece, the Republic of Cyprus, and Washington, D.C., would reveal. Embarking on this journey was a transformative opportunity that exceeded all my expectations. As someone deeply connected to my Greek heritage, I was eager to explore not only the rich culture and history of these regions but also to gain a deeper understanding of the complex foreign policy issues shaping their present and future. From the start, I knew this experience would challenge and expand my perspective.
Before our departure, I learned that one of the highlights of the trip would be a visit to the office of Representative Nicole Malliotakis in Washington, D.C. Knowing that she is a Greek American and a strong advocate for U.S.–Greece– Cyprus relations, I was immediately intrigued. Motivated by this, I dove into research about her legislative priorities and the various challenges she addresses in Congress. I discovered that her work spans critical areas such as maritime security, counterterrorism, and strengthening strategic partnerships in the Eastern Mediterranean — issues directly relevant to the trip’s focus.
This preparation made our visit even more meaningful. Touring her office, the floor of the House of Representatives, and the Speaker’s balcony — areas typically closed to the public — gave me a unique glimpse into the heart of American governance. Seeing the dedication and effort involved in shaping policy, especially from a fellow Greek American, inspired me deeply. Rep. Malliotakis’ commitment to advancing cooperation between the United States, Greece, and the Republic of Cyprus demonstrated how individual legislators can influence international relations and protect shared interests. Her passion sparked within me a genuine interest in public service and reinforced the importance of advocacy for my community and homeland.
Once in Greece and the Republic of Cyprus, the lessons from Washington took on new life. Immersed in the history, culture, and strategic realities of these countries, I was able to connect the dots between the policy work I had learned about and its real-world impact. Witnessing the strength of the Hellenic Armed Forces and their critical role in regional security confirmed the strategic importance of the alliances Rep. Malliotakis champions. Observing the ongoing challenges faced by the Republic of Cyprus — particularly the continuing illegal military occupation of its northern areas — brought urgency and gravity to the political discussions we had in D.C.
The visit to the Republic of Cyprus, especially the government-controlled areas, left an indelible impression on me. Walking through neighborhoods near the Green Line — the buffer zone that divides the island — revealed the tangible effects of decades-long conflict and occupation. The division is not merely geopolitical; it touches the very fabric of life for Cypriots, separating families and communities. The resilience of the Cypriot people and their steadfast commitment to sovereignty deeply resonated with me. These experiences gave me a renewed appreciation for the complexities involved in foreign policy and the delicate balance of diplomacy and security in maintaining peace.
Moreover, the program’s military briefings and interactions with officials highlighted the broader significance of the Eastern Mediterranean as a vital strategic crossroads. The cooperation between Greece, the Republic of Cyprus, Israel, and the United States — under frameworks like the 3+1 multilateral partnership — underscores how regional alliances can effectively address shared challenges such as terrorism and maritime security. Understanding these dynamics firsthand has enhanced my comprehension of the global stakes involved and the importance of sustained collaboration.
The camaraderie among my fellow participants enriched the journey immensely. We came from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds, yet our shared commitment to learning and advocacy created a strong bond. Our thoughtful discussions helped me see issues from new angles and emphasized the role young people can play in shaping the future of U.S.–Greece–Cyprus relations. I left inspired not only by the places and people we encountered but by the collective energy and dedication of this group.
Reflecting on my initial interest in Representative Malliotakis, I now see how vital it is for informed citizens to engage with the political process at every level. Her work to enhance U.S.–Greece and U.S.–Cyprus relations goes beyond symbolism — it represents tangible efforts to protect mutual interests and promote stability in a challenging region. Witnessing her in action and then experiencing the realities on the ground has shown me how policy, diplomacy, and heritage are intertwined. This trip has ignited a desire in me to contribute to these efforts, whether through future public service, advocacy, or roles that support international cooperation.
In conclusion, the AHIF Foreign Policy College Student Trip was a rare and invaluable experience that deepened my understanding of complex international issues while connecting me more profoundly to my heritage. It provided a unique lens through which to view the challenges and opportunities facing Greece, the Republic of Cyprus, and the United States today. I am grateful to the American Hellenic Institute Foundation for this extraordinary opportunity, which has not only broadened my worldview but also inspired me to actively participate in advancing the enduring bonds that unite our nations. This journey has left a lasting imprint on my personal and intellectual growth, and I look forward to carrying these lessons forward in all my future endeavors.
Alexi Colettis graduates this December with a B.A. in economics from the Eugene Lang College of the New School in New York City. He participated in the seventeenth annual AHIF Foreign Policy College Student Trip to Washington, D.C., Greece, and Cyprus, sponsored by the American Hellenic Institute Foundation.
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Myths and Diplomats: A Modern Understanding of the Hellenic Identity
By Demetra Chudley
Until third grade, I didn’t know what Greece was. The country existed in my mind as a land of myth, the setting of stories about gods and monsters —and the great-grandparents I never knew. My family being Greek meant only that we celebrated Easter at a different time than my friends. It wasn’t until I transferred to a Greek day school that I began to learn about Greece’s language, history, and culture.
In school, the elements of Greece I knew before took on a new light. Along with ancient mythology, I studied Greek history, learning the importance of the revolution and Oxi Day. The Greek words I heard in church gained meaning as I began to learn the language. Family stories were now grounded in a specific, tangible land that my great-grandparents migrated from in search of a better life. As I grew up and became involved in my Greek American community, I began to understand Greece as a country of strong history, beautiful land, and inspiring people.
However, this understanding of Greece wasn’t entirely accurate either. Everything I learned about Greek history, culture, and language was a vision of the country created by Hellenic American immigrants. The language my friends spoke came from practice with their grandparents. The dances I knew were ones my teachers learned in their villages years ago. The history I studied focused on the revolutionaries and Greek heroes who inspired pride in those around me. The Greece I knew, while reflecting important aspects of the country, was influenced by the nostalgia of immigrants who had to leave it behind.
There have been two waves of Greek immigration to the United States. The first was at the beginning of the 20th century, when 421,000 Greeks joined the Great Migration to fuel American industrialization. The second was in the 1960s and 1970s, when the 1965 Immigration Act removed ethnic immigration quotas and approximately 200,000 Greeks entered the United States. Although there is no census data from Cyprus before 1955, we can assume that it experienced a similar wave of migration to America at the beginning of the 1900s and that a second wave occurred after the Turkish invasion in 1974.
My own great-grandparents immigrated from Greece in 1915 and 1921. The Hellenic world I learned about in America is based on this time period, memories of Greece and Cyprus passed down from those who had to leave in the 1920s or 1960s. While both countries have continued to evolve, Hellenic Americans’ vision of them has stagnated.
It’s important to celebrate the aspects of Greece and Cyprus that Hellenic Americans are proud of. Our food, dancing, stories, and more remind us why our ancestors cared about their homelands and banded together to represent them in the U.S. But this shouldn’t be our only understanding of these countries.
Exploring Greece and Cyprus with the American Hellenic Institute helped me understand them beyond their American legacy. For the first time, I saw today’s Greece: a vibrant modern culture, complex political state, and important military power. The revolutionary figures I studied in school have their modern-day counterparts in the Greek politicians we met with. Hellenic culture consists not just of the village dances I’ve learned, but the Greek pop playing in Athenian clubs and the passion of the fans filling Olympiacos stadium. The legacy of the ancient Greek empire and, later, the Greek revolution is seen in the military bases we visited and Greece’s strategic alliances.
Similarly, I came to understand Cyprus in a way I never imagined. While I had heard stories of ethnic rivalries and Türkiye’s invasion, I did not understand what the occupation meant until I was standing inside a desecrated Orthodox church in the occupied area. Surrounded by the vivid consequences of the conflict, I saw the details of the 1974 invasion in a new light. The stretches of closed-off homes in the occupied area, the patrols along the buffer zone in Nicosia, and the dozens of conflicting flags flying across the island made it clear how heavily the illegal occupation impacted Cyprus, and how it continues to affect the country today.
In spite of this conflict, the Cypriot diplomats and government officials we met discussed their hope for Cyprus’ growth and plans for its future. They were clear in their pride for Cyprus’ vibrant culture, dynamic politics, and important military presence — all of which I witnessed during the trip, and which can only reach their full potential with the reunification of the country.
This vision of Greece and Cyprus needs to be brought to the United States — a vision that draws on the history of both countries, but grounds it in their modern realities. We must see them as they are today: strong, complex nations of passionate people and spirited cultures, each with an important global presence. Since returning home, this is the idea I have worked on to share with my community. In doing so, I hope to honor the heritage that has brought me where I am today, just as my ancestors did a hundred years ago in their own Hellenic community.
Demetra Chudley is a PanHellenic, FAITH, and National Merit Scholar and member of Georgetown University’s Class of 2028, studying classics and government. She participated in the seventeenth annual AHIF Foreign Policy College Student Trip to Washington, D.C., Greece, and Cyprus, sponsored by the American Hellenic Institute Foundation.
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Looking Within by Looking Without
By Eleni Klissas
In the life and times of an AHIF Foreign Policy Trip student (also known as being a Nick Larigakis boot camp trainee) one will find that some of the most valuable moments of reflection can come during bus rides. Those sweet intervals of guaranteed air conditioning and a chance to shed the business blazer, in my experience, were prime time for reviewing my mental notes of prior meetings. Which interlocutor said what? Why might they believe this? In what way might what was said affect the quotidian machinations of their department or unit?
It was during one such occasion, neck pillow at the ready, that my mind caught on a phrase spoken to us during a meeting with the Cypriot National Guard General Staff: “One nation, two countries.” I rolled it over in my mind, a little worry-stone. One nation, two countries… One nation, two countries...
There is, undoubtedly, a profound connection, an unbreakable bond, between Greek Cypriots and the Hellenic Republic. The blue and white of the Greek flag held a place of pride in every room. But does this not imply a Cyprus that is wholly Greek – leaving no space for Turkish Cypriot identity?
As I followed this line of thought, I remembered another meeting that had left a distinctly different flavor of Cyprus on the metaphorical tongue. Ambassador Theodora Constantinidou at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed several times that Turkish Cypriots are fully Cypriot. This perspective suggested the existence of a pan-Cypriot identity, one that bridges the Greek and Turkish divide.
And surely, multitudes of narratives must exist, crammed into any number of JSTOR and Kathimerini articles. And certainly, into reports that made it to the desks of Cypriot government officials. As I tried to reconcile these viewpoints, I could not help but wonder: which narrative is the better one? Which is the one that could heal the tragedy of Cyprus?
Alas, all bus rides must come to an end. Along with my colleagues, I donned my blazer and walked with the group to our next meeting.
And yet, my question lingered. It lingered from the Larnaka Airport to the Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (which may not seem like a long time, but when you lose your beloved neck pillow it certainly is), and all the way to the Demos Center in Athens. It was there that I spoke with a young man hoping to run for local office in Athens. In just a brief conversation, it was clear that he and his peers held manifold, often critical views about the Cyprus problem. He asked, “how can we find a peaceful solution if we don’t question the very way in which we see the problem?”
It took many bus rides, many meetings, and many discussions with my intelligent peers, to create a sort of mental outline of my core takeaway from the program. Yet his question crystallized my thoughts. When I envision an end to the conflict, it is a solution hard-won on the grounds of developing a holistic understanding of the pitfalls and strengths of the myriads of perspectives on all sides.
Going forward, I hope to foster meaningful dialogue at my college among young Hellenic Americans about the complex and tragic legacy of 1974. As the inheritors of a passionately activism-oriented history, I believe that to be an advocate for change means critically investigating how that change is sought. Loving our homeland, our πατρίδα, means being willing to look at ourselves from the outside in, and perhaps even have hard discussions about our own biases and blind spots.
That introspection – honest and engaged - is essential to building a better Cyprus.
Eleni Klissas, Dean’s List student and Arabic teaching assistant, is a junior double majoring in History and Middle Eastern Studies at the College of William and Mary. She participated in the 17th annual AHIF Foreign Policy College Student Trip to Greece and Cyprus, sponsored by the American Hellenic Institute Foundation.
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The Quiet Line: Awakening in Cyprus
By Isabella Marks
For as long as I can remember, I’ve held a certain nostalgia for Greece — rooted in memories shared by my grandparents and father of long nights dancing in the chorio and days fueled by frappes and ouzo. I had always envisioned it as a sort of “promised land,” where life was simpler, food was better, and laughter came more easily. All the stories I was told growing up maintained this romantic vision of the country — my family never recounting pain or suffering when reflecting on their home. You can imagine my surprise when I was confronted by the stark reality of the Cyprus issue, something I had only heard of in passing until embarking on this trip.
The phrase “ignorance is bliss” had always struck me as cliché and largely untrue—until I saw firsthand the aftermath of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Our first night there, I remember sitting down for dinner at a small tavern, all of us eagerly waiting to enjoy our first meal. The street was quaint, our table situated along the side of a cobblestone alley dimly lit by strands of lights overhead, cats brushing past our feet. I thought I had found myself in a very peaceful scene, until about halfway through dinner I glanced up to notice a barbed wire fence about 100 yards away. Settled between a periptero and an ice cream shop, almost unassumingly, stood the UN buffer zone, separating the Turkish-occupied area from the rest of the island. While its presence jarred me, it seemed as if everyone else had let the fixture fade into normalcy. Locals passed by the fence, manned by a single UN soldier, as if it were nothing more than another shop. How could this be?
I could not wrap my head around the dichotomy of something that represented so much pain and suffering being treated with such banality. This, I would come to learn, is the result of violence and trauma being left unresolved and almost forgotten by the rest of the world — locals having no choice but to accept and incorporate otherwise chilling reminders into their routines.
However, this forced acceptance of the situation did not mean a lack of acknowledgment. Later on, that same week, we walked through Nicosia, much of our stroll paralleling the Green Line itself. When passing by another checkpoint manned by UN soldiers, we stopped for a moment as a food delivery driver approached on a moped. We watched as he walked up to the checkpoint, food in hand, and stopped about 50 meters away. This was a clear display of an unsaid but understood rule: no one was to approach the buffer zone. He waited as a soldier came to claim his order, then slowly retreated from the checkpoint. This was when it became clear to me that despite the seemingly normal routines, fear and angst were still alive and well in Nicosia.
This notion was reinforced again later in the trip. When walking up the stairs to dinner one night, I looked to my left to see an enormous Turkish flag plastered across the mountain facing Nicosia, glimmering with lights almost dauntingly. There was no missing it — placed as a reminder for all those who tried their best to forget. Despite the world's willingness to ignore the ongoing occupation and violence on the island, these people had no choice but to be constantly reminded.
They are reminded not only when stepping outside and seeing physical symbols of their pain or walking along guarded fences that used to be their schoolgrounds, but when remnants of the people they knew and loved — fathers, brothers, and sons — are dug up years later. When meeting with Ambassador Leonidas Pantelides of the Committee of Missing Persons in Cyprus, he explained how there is little to no information about those who went missing during the invasion of 1974. Those who are found are often discovered in mass graves left by the Turks, unmarked and uncared for.
This was when I concluded that ignorance is bliss — which is why I believe much of the world chooses to turn its head away from the issue. The pain felt in discussing this uncomfortable reality with locals in the free area is almost tangible. Half a century has gone by and they are still left with the remnants of their once whole home, and I began to understand the feelings of hopelessness they held. However, I came to realize that their hope lies in raising awareness.
This trip left me with both a better understanding of the Cyprus issue and a responsibility. If ignorance is bliss, then knowledge is duty — and I believe the most meaningful thing I can do is raise awareness, refusing to let this decades-long occupation be reduced to a footnote in history. As Americans, we often view ourselves as pillars of freedom and democracy — but how can we live up to these ideals if we are turning a blind eye to their denial abroad? The people of Cyprus deserve more than silence — they deserve to be heard. And I intend to use my voice to ensure that their stories, their grief, and their calls for justice are not forgotten.
Isabella Marks is a junior at the University of Michigan studying Public Policy with double minors in International Relations and Modern Greek. She participated in the 17th annual AHIF Foreign Policy College Student Trip to Greece and Cyprus sponsored by the American Hellenic Institute Foundation.
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Commanders, Cabinet Members, and Camaraderie
By Nicholas Lolis
Airplanes, tanks, artillery, warships, submarines, armored cars, and command posts — looking at these was one of the most striking experiences of my life. I saw them all while on the AHI College Student Foreign Policy Trip in June and July 2025. It was truly unbelievable to see the operational, battle-ready military forces in Greece and the Republic of Cyprus — especially up close. There were so many moments when I realized how unique the exposure was: the nine-minute airshow of an F-16 Viper, the tour of the commissioned and active HS Papanikolis, the interactions with soldiers, the viewing of the abandoned Nicosia Airport in the Republic of Cyprus, and the amity I felt with my fellow students through the experience we had together.
But the most informative moments weren’t from viewing military equipment that looked straight out of a movie like Top Gun. They came from meetings with business leaders, economists, security experts, Members of Parliament, foreign ministry staff, and army officers. One of the most salient conversations took place in Alexandroupolis, when I conferred with a lieutenant colonel of the Hellenic Army about the demographic crisis facing Greece today. Moreover, we discussed how the army must now brave the challenge of a declining population, evolving technology used against it, and older (but not necessarily outdated) military equipment — all while a looming security threat just miles east of Greece continues to provoke and antagonize it, a fellow NATO partner.
The destinations I visited on the trip showed me how much of a threat Turkey poses in the Mediterranean. This was especially evident in the Republic of Cyprus, where Turkey has stationed 40,000 troops in an illegal occupation of one-third of the island. Upon observing the UN Buffer Zone in Cyprus, the abandoned and dilapidated Nicosia Airport within it, and the small but well-armed military post facing it, I realized how deeply the occupation has affected the Cypriot nation and population. This realization was only amplified after visiting the Turkish-occupied area and viewing the bombed-out, vandalized, and abandoned town of Famagusta (Gazimağusa in Turkish). I quickly understood how much of a priority the peaceful reunification of the island is for the Cypriot government — a reunification without the use of weapons and armies.
One Cypriot security issue that especially stood out to me was the counterterrorism effort conducted in Cyprus. Terrorist groups, armed and trained by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, are sent to the Turkish-occupied area. Their orders are to cross the border into the free zone to kill Israelis and ethnic Jews and to bomb Jewish temples. Three times, the Cypriot government — with the help of Mossad — has stopped these attacks and successfully protected Israeli citizens and business owners. One of these counterterrorism operations happened while I was visiting Archbishop Makarios’s tomb and the Kykkos Monastery in Tsakistra, Cyprus. Counterterrorism is one major reason the American Hellenic Institute is collaborating with Congress to enact legislation funding Cypriot counterterrorism operations and national police forces.
Another memory that will live with me forever happened while I was visiting the 115th Combat Wing of the Hellenic Air Force in Chania, Crete. As the group arrived and prepared to be briefed by the Wing’s commander, an unauthorized aircraft flew over Greek national airspace, breaking international law. Three Greek F-16 Vipers were scrambled to intercept the aerial violator. There was no real threat to us or anyone at the base, but hearing the roar of the jets leaving the base was a sound I’ll never forget. The sound especially stood out when I learned that such occurrences happen almost daily, and that regular sorties have been flown to police Greek skies since 2021.
One of the most poignant moments of the trip was the U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities on June 22, 2025. I was in Nicosia, Cyprus, when the bombing occurred. Five or six other students and I were conversing in my hotel room when we found out about the strikes around 2:00 a.m. I remember the room becoming very quiet as a somber and depressing feeling came over us — knowing that people had just died, civilians were starving in Gaza, how close we were to the conflict, and how this major escalation in the war would further divide U.S. politics.
I cannot overstate the connections I made with my fellow students. I will forever remember and carry the friendships I made on the trip. Camaraderie developed while traveling internationally, debating global events, and meeting high-level military officers and politicians is camaraderie which cannot be found in any other environment. It was truly a pleasure getting to know my new friends on such a personal level and discovering how intelligent, driven, and passionate they are. I have no doubt they will accomplish great things in international relations and public policy.
As for me, the trip has influenced how I view Greece, the Republic of Cyprus, the Greek American community, their economies, domestic politics, and the security threats they face. I can confidently say that my new education on the security of the Greek world will influence the conversations and debates I have with my fellow university students and Americans of Greek ethnicity. My experience has ignited new academic and career interests, a realistic outlook on U.S.–Greek–Cypriot–Turkish–Israeli relations, and a fantastic group of friends I can talk to about both political and personal matters.
Nicholas Lolis is a sophomore at the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences at The George Washington University, double majoring in Journalism and Mass Communication and International Affairs, concentrating in Security Policy. He participated in the seventeenth annual AHIF Foreign Policy College Student Trip to Washington, D.C., Greece, and Cyprus, sponsored by the American Hellenic Institute Foundation.
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“Humming for Cyprus”
By: Alexander Owen
I still think about it, how upon landing in the Republic of Cyprus, I felt as if I had visited a thousand times before. The sun beamed down on me, the pine trees stood tall, and the coffee shops were busy, just as they are in Greece. Yet, despite the familiarity that I initially felt in the Republic of Cyprus, as I continued to visit the free area, something was different... It was not the bizarre driving rules, nor the speed and complexity with which Cypriot Greek was spoken to me. Rather, it was a silence, one that carried throughout the island between both young and old. A silence reminiscent of mourning, a mourning that has been carried on the shoulders of those in the free area since the illegal occupation of the island in August 1974. A mourning that extends beyond the people and into the nature of the island itself. The ocean stands still, and the cicadas, known as an icon of summer and celebration, refuse to hum, as if they too hold the memory of the injustice of that day. The pain is not of the past, but of the present as families are still missing their parents, siblings, and children, not knowing their fate. People’s family homes have been illegally taken and given to strangers. The memory of the invasion is alive in Varosha, where I stood on a beautiful beach looking out at the ocean, and my eyes met a skyline filled with abandoned and desolate buildings, all behind a guarded fence marked with the sign, “DO NOT ENTER.” As a result of the illegal invasion, the Republic of Cyprus did not simply lose control of its territory but also lives, homes, and communities.
One would be forgiven for thinking that a trauma as large and devastating as the invasion left the island, effectively split between the Turkish army–controlled area and the area controlled by the Republic of Cyprus, would leave Cyprus a dysfunctional and failed state. Yet, that was far from the truth. Throughout our trip, my fellow students and the other nine students on the American Hellenic Institute Foundation College Student Foreign Policy Trip were shown time and time again how the Republic of Cyprus has not only been surviving but thriving as a state committed to civil rights for both communities. Furthermore, the Republic of Cyprus has made great strides in expanding its international footprint by becoming a member of the European Union and establishing critical relationships with neighboring countries in the eastern Mediterranean such as Israel and Egypt. I was impressed by the key role the Republic of Cyprus plays in international energy and commerce within the Mediterranean. By strengthening its role in the Mediterranean and beyond, the Republic of Cyprus raises further awareness of the illegal occupation.
Alongside the Republic of Cyprus, the Hellenic Republic has made equally impressive strides in expanding its role as an international ally. Through impressive feats such as the NAMFI NATO base and the developing port of Alexandroupolis, Greece has advanced partnerships through the 3+1 structure of Greece, Israel, Cyprus, and the United States. Yet, for every advancement made, both states have faced pushback from the Republic of Türkiye. In Washington, when we were briefed on the near-constant encroachment of exclusive economic territorial waters and skies, as well as the utilization of “hybrid warfare” against a fellow NATO state, I asked, “Why does Greece still play by the rules? Why does Greece not act like its neighbor?” The response I received from the Greek Ambassador to the United States was simple yet powerful: “Because it is not the Greek way,” she responded, filling me with a sense of pride for my Greek American heritage. This idea of being a good ally no matter the circumstances was further reinforced in Alexandroupolis when an officer at the port remarked, “Other nations come to us because they know we are reliable, and if we promise to do something, it gets done.” These perspectives allowed me to understand both the political and cultural motivations of both countries and the importance of advocating for them.
Throughout my childhood and especially within my Greek community, the illegal occupation of Cyprus was sparsely spoken about. And when it was mentioned, it was quickly swept under the rug. This was done in part to avoid bringing up “old wounds,” yet by doing this, the invasion was being forgotten, in turn losing the memory of the people and communities affected. It is only through carrying the memory with us that the fight for a complete Republic of Cyprus lives on. I used to wonder how I, as a Greek American, could best give back to my community. I now know that it is through remembrance and advocacy that I will relentlessly hum like a cicada for the Republic of Cyprus so that one day, the cicadas can sing freely once again.
Alexander Owen is a Virginia native, and a sophomore at The George Washington University studying International Affairs and Economics (B.S.) He participated in the seventeenth annual AHIF Foreign Policy College Student Trip to Washington, D.C., Greece, and Cyprus, sponsored by the American Hellenic Institute Foundation.
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We’re Stuck in the Past
By Mia Tzafolias
Imagine an American tourist lying on a beach in Mykonos with an Epsa orangeade in one hand and a frappe in the other, watching the sun set on the horizon the glimmering water ahead. Little did they know that a few islands away an American supercarrier was docking at the port of Souda Bay in Crete, or that hundreds of refugees were being received by the Hellenic Coast Guard in Samos, or that thousands of Greek ships were traversing the world, comprising 17% of the world’s shipping industry! This is the reality. People know Greece as a land of crystal-blue beaches, delicious cuisine, and natural beauty, but they do not know Greece as a modern state with an important presence in the international political landscape. Unfortunately, this reality does not only exist for your average American tourist but also for Greek Americans, such as me, who are unaware of the extent of Greece and Cyprus’s geostrategic role in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Before the AHIF Foreign Policy Trip, I did not understand just how geopolitically significant Greece and the Republic of Cyprus are. They are two countries that lie at the crossroads of three continents, that serve as the bridge between the East and the West, and act as a pillar of stability amidst intense regional conflicts. Wow… those are quite a lot of responsibilities for two small countries. Despite this, while on the trip, I discovered that Greece and Cyprus have done a pretty good job given their small size and vulnerable geographic location. At the U.S. Embassy in Cyprus, the American diplomats expressed that Cyprus is “the U.S.’s best ally” in assisting with the evacuation of American citizens from Israel/Gaza. In Crete, I learned that the port in Souda Bay is the only deepwater harbor in the Mediterranean and one of only four deepwater harbors in the world that can host the U.S.’s massive aircraft carriers. While in Souda Bay, I witnessed Turkey’s territorial threat when an F-16 suddenly took off because a Turkish plane had just violated Greece’s airspace. At the Hellenic Coast Guard, I recognized the significant responsibility Greece bears in receiving refugees, given that it is the gateway from the Middle East to the European Union. To make a long story short, I realized that Greece and Cyprus are not just shimmering beaches and delicious food. They offer so much more to the world than just a relaxing summer vacation.
But still, the unfortunate reality is that people worldwide, including Greek Americans, do not understand the extent to which Greece and Cyprus should be valued in the international political landscape. Why is this? I believe a main reason, among others, is that the study of contemporary Greece and Cyprus seems to be underrepresented in U.S. academia. The extent to which modern Greece and Cyprus are mentioned on college campuses is insufficient or practically non-existent. Roughly 20 out of about 4,000 degree-granting institutions in the U.S. offer Modern Greek Studies programs. That is quite a small number given Greece and Cyprus’s significant role in the international political environment! And of the more than 3,500 institutions that do not offer Modern Greek programs, I would guess that very few offer courses that study Greece or Cyprus as modern states. Instead, most institutions focus their classes on Ancient Greece and Greek mythology. In a way, U.S. institutions — and people in general — are “stuck” in Greece’s past. Greece’s past is overshadowing Greece’s present importance. So, I believe it is time that we stop focusing on Knossos and start learning about its next-door neighbor, Souda Bay.
But this is the ultimate question: how can we do this? How can we “unstick” people, including Greek Americans, from Greece’s past? To be quite honest, I do not know if there is one definitive, comprehensive answer. I think we each can have our own unique answer to this question. Depending on our walk-in life, our personalities, and our personal passions, I believe we each can promote and support modern Greece and Cyprus in the way we see fit. For instance, I am a sophomore at the College of William and Mary and am a proud Greek American. Having now gained substantial insight into Greece and Cyprus as modern states due to the AHIF trip, I have realized that it is my duty to serve my ethnic homeland by promoting its modern significance to my peers. For this reason, I am planning to start a Hellenic Student Association at my college. However, this organization will not be your average Hellenic social club. Its goal will not only be to promote Hellenic culture but also to educate my fellow peers on the Greek and Cypriot state and their geopolitical importance in the Eastern Mediterranean. So, given my current circumstances and my love of Greece and Cyprus, creating a Hellenic club on my college campus seems to be the greatest contribution I can make to my ethnic homeland at this time in my life. Similarly, we all should seek to be ambassadors for the modern Greek and Cypriot states in the U.S. in our own individual ways.
So, I challenge each of us, including myself, to stop resting on the past glory of the Hellenic world and start focusing on the potential grandeur of Greece and Cyprus as modern states that have a big impact on world politics.
Mia Tzafolias is a sophomore at the College of William and Mary, where she is pursuing a double major in International Relations and Economics. She participated in the seventeenth annual AHIF Foreign Policy College Student Trip to Washington, D.C., Greece, and Cyprus, sponsored by the American Hellenic Institute Foundation.
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