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.
Author(s): Kamaran Palani
Series: Routledge Studies in Statehood
Publisher: Routledge
Year: 2022
Language: English
Pages: 126
City: London
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
