
Nationalism and State Formation in Kurdistan-lraq
Robert Olson
Mazda Publishers
This book deals with a relatively shorter period of time than most books, but it deals with the complex issues of nationalism, capitalism, and state formation which are topics that have extensive bibliographies. In this study, I do not define what nationalism or capitalism are but assume them as constants that played a strong role in the state formation of Kurdistan-Iraq as it occurred in the first years of the 21st century. The evolution of Turkish, Kurdish, and Arab nationalism have been addressed many times, and even though there are still strong differences and opinions as to their origins and development, most scholars agree that all three were developed, albeit in different degrees, by the first quarter of the 20th century. What I try to do in this study is to follow the process of these nationalisms and their interactions with one another, two ensconced in states—Turkey and Iraq—and one, Kurdish, engaged in state formation. I am especially interested in the reasons why Turkey was impelled to accept aspects of Kurdish nationalism as expressed in Kurdistan-Iraq during the first years of the 21st century and, especially during ... |