Kurdistan's De Facto Statehood: A New Explanatory Framework

Description

This book explains the dynamics and nature of Iraqi Kurdistan’s de facto statehood since its inception in 1991, in particular the vicissitudes de facto independence since then. The work examines de facto statehood in Kurdistan, and uncovers the dynamics of de facto statehood in Kurdistan at internal, national and international levels. Kurdistan’s de facto statehood is shown to be inherently characterised by fluidity. In this book, fluidity is defined as a highly unstable feature of de facto statehood in the relational context of non-recognition. The book includes interviews with a number of high-profile politicians and policy makers from the region. These provide unique insights into such issues as the four main factors at play in the fluidity of the de facto state of Kurdistan: the balance of power between Erbil and Baghdad; the level and form of internal fragmentation; the change of strategies to gain international recognition; and the uncertain and fluctuating external support. This book will be of much interest to students of statehood studies, Middle Eastern politics, and International Relations. Cover Endorsements Half Title Series Page Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Contents Acknowledgments Abbreviations 1. Introduction How to define Kurdistan? The structure of the study Notes References 2. On de facto statehood The concept of de facto states Fluidity: A new direction for research in De facto statehood? On recognition strategies On engagement without recognition First factor: De facto state leaders' commitment to independence Second factor: Patron state support Third factor: Type of internal legitimacy and power relations On internal fragmentation On patron-client relations The case of Kurdistan Notes References 3. Background to Kurdistan's de facto statehood The regime change in Iraq After 2014: 'One man's disaster is another's treasure' From troublemakers to peace-builders International visibility Two steps back What type of state? Towards the referendum An alternative path to the independence referendum? The day of the referendum Notes References 4. A volatile partnership Competition and institutionalising a dual state structure Walking away from conflict for a moment Three armies The international pressure The barriers Three economies The shaky move towards de jure independence A new imbalance of power Notes References 5. Changing strategies to gain international recognition The Other Iraq (2003-2014) The diminishing importance of the 'Other Iraq' strategy The failure of partnership with Baghdad Addressing internal and external audiences Explaining the change Post-referendum Kurdistan: A strong Kurdistan New governments in Erbil and Baghdad Notes References 6. Who is a patron? Who is a client? The lack of a consistent U.S. policy towards Kurdistan Kurdistan's relations with U.S. allies Kurdistan's relations with rival regional and global powers Notes References 7. Conclusions and implications Kurdistan and the de facto state literature Kurdistan in conflict with Baghdad Fluidity beyond the case of Kurdistan Avenues for future research on Iraqi Kurdistan Baghdad's perceptions towards Kurdistan's existence Youthful anger and internal legitimacy Note References Index