Description
Book SynopsisKurds and their Struggle of Autonomy: Enduring Identity and Clientelism is a comprehensive study of the roots of Kurdish identity, the processes of identity formation among the Kurds, and the Kurds' seemingly never-ending struggle for self-determination. By relying on a hybrid theoretical model of identity politics, this book offers a thorough treatment of the origins, characteristics, and evolution of Kurdish culture in general, and political culture in particular. It also examines the historical explanations and nuances of Kurdish struggles for some form of autonomy, assesses economic imperatives that shape the potentials and challenges of Kurdish social and political life, and offers a critical review of the contemporary Kurdish institutional and policy dynamics in Iraq and Syria.
Trade ReviewMehran Tamadonfar and Roman B Lewis do a superb job of providing a theoretically solid and empirically rich analysis of the emergence and development of Kurdish nationalism. The authors do not only provide an in-depth analysis of Kurdish politics but also put it into a comparative context, making the book relevant for broader audiences. This book will remain a reference to those who are interested in Kurdish politics in particular and ethnonationalism in general.
-- Ramazan Kilinç, University of Nebraska
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments
List of Abbreviations
Introduction
1: Identity Politics, Nationalism, and Ethnic-Nationalism: Concepts, Theoretical Paradigms, and Challenges
2: The Kurds: Their Land, Demographics, Tribalism, Language, Religion, and Economy
3: Kurdish Political Culture, Religions, and History
4: The Kurdish Civil Society
5: Kurdish Governance in Iraq and Syria: Clientelism and Political Institutions and Processes
6: Public Policies and Intergovernmental Relations
Conclusions
Bibliography
Index
About the Authors
