The Kurdish Nationalist Movement
Opportunity, Mobilization and Identity

This 2006 book analyses the Kurdish question through the lens of social movement theory.

David Romano (Author)

9780521684262, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 2 March 2006

292 pages, 1 map
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.7 cm, 0.43 kg

”Highly recommended.” -- Choice

David Romano's 2006 book focuses on the Kurdish case to try and make sense of ethnic nationalist resurgence generally. In a world rent by a growing number of such conflicts, the questions posed about why, how and when such challenges to the state are mounted are becoming increasingly urgent. Throughout the author analyses these questions through the lens of social movement theory, considering in particular politico-social structures, resource mobilization strategies and cultural identity. His conclusions offer some thought-provoking insights into Kurdish nationalism, as well as into the strengths and weaknesses of various social movement theories. While the book offers a rigorous conceptual approach, the empirical material - the result of the author's personal experiences - makes it a compelling read. It will find a readership amongst students of the Middle East, and also amongst those interested in ethnic relations, minority rights, terrorism, state repression, social movement theories and many other related issues.

1. Making sense of ethnic nationalist resurgence
2. Structural conditions and political opportunities
3. Resource mobilisation and rational choice
4. Cultural framing
5. Theoretical synthesis
6. Kurdish nationalist challenges to the Iraqi state
7. Kurdish nationalist challenges to the Iranian state
8. Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Nationalism [JPFN], Politics & government [JP]