Kurds Under Threat: The Role of Kurdish Transnational Networks During Peace and Conflict

Description

Previous researches examine how transnational ethnic ties impact the relationship between host states and diaspora and why states and ethnic minorities in the diaspora may occasionally support violent rebel organizations in the homeland. However, these previous studies do not really consider the relationships among co-ethnic organizations without a homeland government. This book tackles the following important questions: How and when do co-ethnic Kurdish organizations provide open support for each other during conflict-peace cycle events? Moreover, do external threats impact the relationship among co-ethnic organizations? The aim of this research is to identify the causal factors that influence the transnational networks between Kurdish organizations. Research findings reveal that political rationality and external threats seem to be stronger predictors of political behavior than ethnic ties in the Kurdish case. This study helps scholars and policy makers to evaluate the impact of transnational networks between co-ethnic Kurdish organizations in cases of civil war, which may play a crucial role in the escalation and de-escalation of international conflicts. In addition, this research helps to understand the role of co-ethnic organizations in building sustainable peace in areas of conflict. Cover Half Title Series Page Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Contents Acknowledgments List of Figures List of Abbreviations Introduction Chapter 1: Conceptual Framework Separatist Movements, Transnational Networks, and Collective Action Theory Conclusion Chapter 2: History of Kurdish Nationalism and Kurdish Organizations Kurds in Turkey Kurds from Syria Kurds from Iraq Kurds from Iran Conclusion Chapter 3: The Turkish-PKK Civil War (2004–2017) The Turkish Military Threat (2004–2017) Turkey’s Economic Threats against the KRG (2007–2017) Turkey’s Political Threats against the KRG (2004–2017) Conclusion Chapter 4: The Iranian-Kurdish Civil Wars With PJAK and KPDI (2004–2017) The Iranian Military Threat toward THE KRG for the PJAK Activities (2004–2011) The KRG and the PJAK Relation (2004–2011) The Iranian Military Attack toward the KRG for KDPI Activities (2016–2017) The Iranian Political Threat toward the KRG (2004–2017) The Iranian Economic Threat toward the KRG (2004–2017) Conclusion Chapter 5: The Peace-Talks Between Turkey and the PKK (2009–2015) KRG’s Political Statements and the Peace Process in Turkey (2004–2015) The KRG’s Role in the Peace Process (2004–2011) Resuming Peace Process (2011–2015) End of Cease-fire and Collapse of Peace Process (July 2015) Conclusion Chapter 6: The ISIS Threat and Collaboration Between Kurdish Organizations The ISIS Attack against Yazidi Kurds in Iraq (2014) The Relationship between the KRG and the PKK (2014) The Siege of Kobane and the Kurdish Front against ISIS (2014) The Relationship between Iraqi Kurdish Organizations (the KRG/the PUK/the Gorran) and the PYD The Relationship between the KRG and the PYD Prior to the ISIS Attack to Kobane The Relationship between the KRG and the PYD after the ISIS Attack to Kobane The Relationship between Kurdish Organizations from Turkey (the HDP/the PKK) and the PYD The PKK’s Open Support for the PYD Conclusion Chapter 7: Competition and Rivalry Between the KRG and the PKK (2015–2017) The Rivalry between the PKK and the KRG Who Is the Savior of the Yazidi Kurds? Conclusion Chapter 8: Conclusion Key Findings on External Threat against the KRG Key Findings on Open Support for the PKK during the Cease-Fire and Peace Process in Turkey Key Findings on the Role of Same External Threat and Collaboration between Kurdish Organizations Key Findings on the Rivalry between the PKK and the KRG Recommendations for Future Research Implication and Recommendations for Policymakers Study Limitations Conclusion Notes Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 References Index About the Author