Kurds Under Threat: The Role of Kurdish Transnational Networks During Peace and Conflict (2004-2017)

<p>Previous research examines impact of ethnic ties 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 dissertation tackles the following important questions: How and when do co-ethnicKurdish 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. I use a longitudinal research design from 2004 to 2017. A total of 387 articles out of thousands were collected from regional and international news archives. I evaluated this research by the thematic content analysis of statements and actions taken by various actors. 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<strong></strong>conflicts. In addition, this research helps to understand the role of co-ethnic organizations in building sustainable peace in areas of conflict. </p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy in International Conflict Management (Ph.D. INCM)

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Year dc:date.available

2019

Author dc:creator

• Gumustekin, Deniz

Contributors dc:contributor

• Darina Lepadatu, Charity Butcher
• Maia Hallward

• Transnational Networks
• Ethnic Transnational Networks
• Kurdish Organizations; Kurdish regions; Kurdistan; Ethnic Collective Action
• Ethnic War
• Separatist Movements
• Violent Ethnic Organizations
• External Threat
• and Homeland and Diaspora Relations
• International and Area Studies
• Peace and Conflict Studies

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/incmdoc_etd/31

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu:incmdoc_etd-1032