InTouch Magazine Articles Archive

Issue 20, July 2008

Crisis? What Crisis?

By Dr. Alan Waring.

Crises in other parts of the world often have an impact on Cyprus. For example, world trade, the credit crunch, commodity prices. But, is Cyprus itself in crisis? A not unreasonable question, given the public and media brouhaha on subjects ranging as widely as water supplies, property, immigration or tourism. Clearly, there are significant problems with all of these – but in each case do they amount to a crisis?

Recognizing a Crisis
A crisis may be defined as: A period of acute, intense and often dramatic conflict and uncertainty involving loss of control and possible chaos. Frequently a crisis involves acutely unstable conditions leading to unwanted major change. A crisis is therefore more than simply a problem, whether acute or chronic. How do you recognize a crisis? Answer: when you are already in one.
There is, however, often a long lead-up to a crisis, characterised by those in charge being either blissfully unaware of the developing situation or, more often, denying (a) that a crisis is possible ‘on their watch’ or (b) that a crisis is imminent. Perceptual defence and being in denial are the hallmarks of crisis development.
Three typical cases in Cyprus are illuminating: water, tourism and property.

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