Capita Selecta

Essay (3.528 words)

Anhelina Koretska
Introduction

The topic of this essay is Kurdish geopolitics and its influence on the Kurdish people.
The Kurds lack an ethnic connection with any of their neighboring sovereign states,
making them victims of their strategic location and global geopolitical interests. They
find themselves isolated both locally and internationally. Complicating matters, the
Kurds are fragmented across various geopolitical blocs, each characterized by a unique
state culture and worldview that significantly influences them. Presently, the Kurds in
the eastern and southern regions are expected to align with the Islamic and traditionalist
ideology of Iran. Meanwhile, those in Iraq and Syria must navigate their identity within
the context of the radical Arabism of these two anti-Western states. In Anatolia, Kurdish
culture contends with a Turkey that embraces a southeast European perspective and is
governed by a staunchly pro-Western, modernist government.
The Kurds hold the unique economical and geopolitical position of being the sole ethnic
group globally with native representatives in four competing geopolitical power
structures: the Arab world (in Iraq and Syria), NATO (in Turkey), the Warsaw Pact and
the Soviet bloc (in Soviet Caucasia), and the South Asian-Central Asian bloc (in Iran
and Soviet Turkmenistan). To comprehend the Kurds' experiences and destiny in the
20th century, one must consider the intricate interplay of power politics among these
global blocs and their evolving areas of interest. Geopolitics plays a pivotal role in
shaping the destiny of nations and ethnic groups, and the Kurds are no exception. The
Kurdish geopolitical landscape, despite its challenges, presents a unique set of benefits
that contribute to the regional and global dynamics. This essay aims to explore and
highlight the advantages of Kurdish geopolitics. The main statement that will be
presented and reasoned is that Kurdish geopolitics has positive influence on the
economics of the Kurdistan and well-being of Kurdish population due to their
geographical factors, political decisions regarding surrounding countries and fight for
their independence.

Main body

First things first, geopolitics is about a geography and external politics of a

country. Talking about the geographical factors, has fertile valleys and plains, making it
suitable for agriculture. Kurdish communities have historically been engaged in farming
activities. The region's fertile valleys and plains provide an ideal environment for
cultivating various crops, and agriculture has been a fundamental aspect of Kurdish
livelihoods for generations. The agricultural landscape in Kurdistan supports the
cultivation of a variety of crops, such as wheat, barley, and fruits. This diversity not only
sustains local communities but also contributes to the overall food security of the region.
Additionally, Kurdistan has a lot of mountains like Cheekha, Butin, Korek and
Abida - these mountains have historically provided natural defensive advantages,
allowing certain Kurdish communities to resist outside forces and maintain a degree of
autonomy; and rives – Tigris, Euphrates, Ceyhan and Kura, which gives Kurdish
population possibility to easily protect themselves from invaders, who came from the
flatland counties and have no knowledge about how to handle mountainous territories.
Kurds had to protect themselves from Russians, Ottomans and Safavids, because
Kurdistan was sort of buffer between those nations and was desired territory throughout
the whole history, and mountains and rivers gave them upper hand in those fights with
neighborhood countries and helped the country protect itself. Therefore, the
geographical factors were beneficial for the Kurds.
However, in the 16th century the Battle of Chaldean occurred, territories of
Kurdistan were divided between Ottomans and Safavid Empire. The Ottoman and
Safavid empires were two major powers in the Middle East during the 16th and 17th
centuries, and their rivalry often affected the Kurdish territories located between their
respective domains. The Kurdish regions were often caught in the crossfire of conflicts
between the Ottomans and Safavids. The shifting borders and the changing control of
these empires had direct implications for the Kurds, affecting their autonomy, cultural
dynamics, and sometimes leading to displacement. The Treaty of Amasya in 1555,
which divided the Kurdish-inhabited territories between the Ottoman and Safavid
empires, had a lasting impact on the Kurdish people. After that happened, Kurds and
Ottomans created internal relations, became alliances and made an agreement for
strategic and military purposes, where Ottomans could use Kurdish mountains and
retrieval units, and Kurdistan could get the prestige and all the benefits of Ottomans like
protection and autonomy, which was beneficial decision as it gave protection to
Kurdistan, saved a lot of lives, and had positive influence for development of the
country.
Considering the countries that are surrounding Kurdistan, Kurdish population was
always fighting for its independence, losing it, and fighting for it again, which makes it
one of the benefits. They were claiming and fighting and having argument with the
Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States and the UN Charter for the
secession from Iraq and there was even argument about it, due to which Kurds have
their own independent state that has healthy democracy considering Kurdish population
and politics, and state that is also able to function autonomically and to be sustainable
economically and politically. Thus, Kurdish geopolitics is beneficial for the economy and
well-being of its population.
Moreover, what makes Kurdistan such a desired piece of land is the fact that this
country has enough oil and other underground resources. The abundance of oil and
natural gas presents opportunities for economic development, albeit with challenges
related to management, distribution, and long-term sustainability. Balancing the
utilization of these resources with environmental conservation and diversified economic
strategies is essential for the well-being and progress of the Kurdish region. The
availability of natural resources makes Kurdistan an attractive partner for international
energy companies seeking investment opportunities. Establishing fruitful partnerships
can lead to technological advancements, job creation, and enhanced infrastructure.The
soil is rich enough in these resources that it can replace Russia in supplying Europe
with oil, for example. This geographical position positions the Kurds as potential
facilitators of trade, promoting economic development and diplomatic relations. Now
that there is war between Russia and Ukraine, Europe was trying to cease buying any
kind of products from Russia, and usage of Kurdish oil and other resources can have
advantages for both – Kurdistan and Europe. Firstly, because oil will be sold for a lower
price, which benefits European courtiers and their economy. Money saved on buying oil
from Russia can be spent on something more urgent and significant. Secondly,
Kurdistan can have steady flow of money that can contribute to the development of
economy and lives of citizens. Take the city of Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan, for instance. Erbil
has emerged as a regional economic hub, with its diverse population and strategic
location attracting international businesses. The Erbil International Airport, connecting
the region to the world, serves as a testament to the Kurds' potential as facilitators of
trade and economic development.
In addition to the fighting for the independence and flourishing of the country,
government of Kurdistan started working on their army. Soldiers are trained and taught
all the modern tactics and ways of fighting, which makes country prepared to any kind of
necessity to fight and protect. Taking into consideration the fact that country is still
surrounded by countries who can be perceived as enemies of Kurdistan, it is significant
to have a trained army that can defeat enemies and continue their movement towards
development. As Kurdistan is divided between countries like Iraq, Syria and Turkey,
each part of Kurdistan has different army. For Iraqi Kurdistan it is Peshmerga; Syrian
Kurdistan (Rojava) it is People’s Protection Unit (YPG) and Women’s Protection Unit
(YPJ); part of Kurdistan the is in Turkey has Kurdistan Worker’s Party (PKK).
Peshmerga is considered as official military force of the Kurdistan Regional Government
(KRG), and this army has participated in Gulf war, fighting for the human rights and
protecting its territories. This army also gave humanitarian assistance in conflict zones
or during the war. Together with YPG and YPJ, Peshmerga was fighting against the
ISIS (Islamic state of Iraq and Syria). Therefore, putting effort and contributing to the
army is a smart political decision that is beneficial for the population.
Besides fighting for their independence, Kurdistan is a member of couple of
important organizations that gives the country possibility to make alliances and get
military help and support. The Kurds' presence in different geopolitical alliances, such
as NATO and historically in the Warsaw Pact, positions them strategically in the
international arena. This affords them the opportunity to build alliances and partnerships
that can enhance their political influence and address shared concerns with global
players. In southeastern Turkey, for instance, the Kurdish population has been
historically linked to NATO's interests during the Cold War. This connection has the
potential to provide the Kurds with security assurances and strategic partnerships that
enhance their regional influence.
Furthermore, the political advantage of Kurdistan is that they have official
delegations that seek diplomatic recognition for Kurdish identity, autonomy, or political
representation. Delegations can work towards securing political representation for Kurds
within the countries where they reside. This may involve participation in national
governments, regional administrations, or local councils. Improved political
representation can lead to a more inclusive governance structure that considers the
interests of the Kurdish population. Kurdish delegations also focus on advocating for the
human rights of Kurds, both within their historical homeland and in diaspora
communities. This includes addressing issues such as cultural rights, language rights,
and protection against discrimination or persecution. In regions where Kurdish
populations have faced conflicts, delegations may engage in peace talks or negotiations
to find peaceful resolutions. These efforts aim to address longstanding issues, promote
stability, and contribute to the overall well-being of the Kurdish communities and the
regions they inhabit. Furthermore, Kurdish delegations encourage international support
for various causes, such as humanitarian assistance during crises, development
projects, or advocacy for political solutions to longstanding issues. Building alliances
with foreign governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and international
bodies can provide valuable support.
Besides that, government of Kurdistan cares about preserving the cultural
identity and inheritance of the country. Kurdish geopolitics has fostered cultural vitality,
with the preservation of language, traditions, and folklore serving as a unifying force.
Despite being divided across Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Turkey, the Kurds share a common
cultural heritage that transcends borders. The struggle for recognition and autonomy
has intensified the Kurds' commitment to preserving their unique identity, fostering a
sense of pride and solidarity among the population. For instance, the establishment of
Kurdish cultural institutions, such as the Institute Kurde de Paris, has played a crucial
role in promoting Kurdish language and arts, fostering a vibrant cultural scene that
transcends geopolitical boundaries. This institution is one of the academic centers of the
Kurdish language in Europe. Additionally, initiatives like the Rojava Revolution in Syria
have emphasized gender equality and grassroots democracy, showcasing the
progressive values embedded in Kurdish culture as a positive force in the face of
geopolitical challenges. Women played a big role in this revolution – the army YPJ was
the one participating in this revolution and fighting for their ideology and philosophy.
This dedication to Kurdish culture makes geopolitics of Kurdistan beneficial to its
population.
Kurdish geopolitics has also catalyzed socio-economic advancements within the
Kurdish regions. The quest for autonomy has driven efforts to establish stable
governance structures, leading to economic development and improved living standards
for the population. In the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, for example, the establishment of the
Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has allowed for greater local governance and
economic self-sufficiency. An illustrative example is the city of Erbil in the Kurdistan
Region, which has experienced significant economic growth due to oil revenues. The
city's skyline has transformed with modern infrastructure, and investments in education
and healthcare have improved the overall quality of life for its residents. This economic
stability has not only empowered the local population but has also attracted international
businesses and investments, contributing to the region's prosperity fostering a positive
cycle of investment and growth. With this investments in the socio-economic
development of the country government can achieve economic growth due to increasing
tourism level as people from other countries will be interested to enjoy the innovations
and infrastructure that is evolving and Kurdish population will be also more motivated to
go the city centers.
Kurdish geopolitics always had a pretty big influence on Kurdish population, but
unfortunately it is not always positive. The poignant example of the impact of Kurdish
geopolitics on the people is the Kurdish struggle in Turkey. The Kurdish Workers' Party
(PKK), founded in 1978, emerged as a key player in the quest for Kurdish rights and
autonomy. Turkey has the largest Kurdish population, and historically, there have been
tensions between the Turkish government and Kurdish groups. The Kurdistan Workers'
Party (PKK), labeled as a terrorist organization by Turkey and some other countries,
has been involved in a protracted conflict with the Turkish state. The Turkish state's
response to the PKK insurgency has been marked by military campaigns, human rights
abuses, and a reluctance to address the root causes of the conflict. The impact on the
Kurdish people in Turkey has been profound. Countless Kurds have been displaced,
and communities have been disrupted by the conflict. Furthermore, restrictions on the
Kurdish language and culture have hindered the development of a cohesive Kurdish
identity within the Turkish state. The geopolitics of the region have thus played a pivotal
role in shaping the experiences of the Kurdish population in Turkey.
In contrast to the challenges faced by Kurds in Turkey, the Kurdistan Region of
Iraq has experienced a different geopolitical trajectory. Following the overthrow of
Saddam Hussein in 2003, the Kurds in Iraq gained a degree of autonomy. The
Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) was established, allowing the Kurds to govern
their affairs to a certain extent. The impact on the Kurdish people in Iraq has been
mixed. On the positive side, the establishment of the KRG has provided the Kurds with
a degree of self-governance and economic opportunities. The positive impact on the
Kurdish people in Iraq is evident in economic growth, improved infrastructure, and the
establishment of institutions that cater to the needs of the local population. The Kurdish
experience in Iraq highlights how geopolitical factors can create opportunities for
autonomy, fostering positive developments for the Kurdish people. However, challenges
persist, including disputes over territory with the central government in Baghdad and
internal political divisions within the Kurdish leadership. The geopolitical dynamics of the
region continue to shape the aspirations and struggles of the Kurdish people in Iraq.
While the geopolitics of Kurdistan presents certain opportunities, it is also marked by
several disadvantages and challenges that have significantly impacted the Kurdish
people. Refugee and displacement issues among the Kurdish population have been a
consequence of various geopolitical factors, conflicts, and historical events in the Middle
East. There are a lot of conflicts that led to growing number of refugees. For example,
the Syrian Civil War (2011 till now) has had profound effects on the Kurdish population
in Syria. The emergence of Kurdish-led autonomous regions in northern Syria,
commonly known as Rojava, led to displacement as a result of the conflict between the
Kurdish forces, such as the People's Protection Units (YPG), and various other factions.
Additionally, the broader Syrian conflict has forced many Syrians, including Kurds, to
seek refuge in neighboring countries. The protracted conflict between the Turkish
government and the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) is one more example of the conflict
that has resulted in displacement and internal migration within Turkey. The conflict has
particularly affected southeastern Turkey, where many Kurdish communities reside. As
a result, some Kurds have been internally displaced, while others have sought refuge in
other countries. The rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) – ISIS attacks in
Iraq and Syria - led to widespread movement and migration, affecting various
communities, including Kurds. ISIS targeted minority groups, including Yazidis and
Kurds, resulting in significant population movements, both internally and across borders.
Turkey has conducted military operations in northern Iraq (it is still happening),
targeting PKK positions. These operations have affected the civilian population in the
region. They are conducted with the aim of suppressing PKK activities, disrupting their
logistical networks, and preventing cross-border attacks into Turkey. The presence of
the PKK in northern Iraq is perceived as a security threat by Turkey, and Ankara
justifies its military actions as necessary measures to protect its citizens and maintain
territorial integrity. However, these operations have also faced criticism from various
quarters due to concerns about their impact on civilians and the potential for
exacerbating tensions in the region. The Kurdish population in Iran has faced historical
discrimination and marginalization, and there were policies that limit cultural and
linguistic rights, as well as economic disparities, have contributed to grievances among
the Kurdish population. Due to this reason, there have been sporadic conflicts between
Iranian authorities and Kurdish insurgent groups called Iranian-Kurdish conflicts. This
has contributed to internal displacement and occasional refugee flows. The geopolitical
situation and conflicts that were mentioned before have sometimes contributed to
human rights abuses against the Kurdish population, which has negative influence on
the population. Discrimination, restrictions on cultural and linguistic rights, and political
repression have been reported in various Kurdish-inhabited areas.
Another disadvantage is that Kurdistan is divided among several countries,
including Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and Syria. This fragmentation limits the ability of the Kurdish
people to form a unified political entity and often results in differing geopolitical interests
and priorities among the Kurdish communities in each country. Within each country,
there are internal divisions among Kurdish political factions and groups. This lack of
unity can weaken the collective bargaining power of the Kurdish people and hinder their
ability to address common concerns.

Conclusion

To sum up everything that was mentioned in this essay and give an overview to all th
points presented in the text, the geopolitics of Kurdistan, shaped by a lack of ethnic
connection with neighboring states and internal fragmentation, poses both challenges
and advantages for the Kurdish people. Geographical features, including fertile plains,
mountains, and rivers, contribute to economic activities and defensive capabilities. Rich
natural resources, such as oil and gas, hold potential for regional development. Despite
historical events like the Battle of Chaldean and the division of Kurdish territories,
strategic alliances, notably with the Ottomans, emerged. The Treaty of Amasya in 1555,
while initially disruptive, led to agreements beneficial for Kurdistan's protection and
autonomy. In the 20th century, Kurds uniquely found representation in four global
geopolitical power structures. Navigating these complexities, the Kurds' strategic
location and historical experiences have positioned them for economic well-being and
development, even as challenges persist.
Examining the geographical factors of Kurdistan reveals a terrain rich in fertile valleys,
plains, mountains, and rivers. These features have historically played a pivotal role in
shaping the Kurds' livelihoods, from agricultural activities sustained by fertile lands to
the defensive advantages offered by mountainous terrains. The Battle of Chaldean in
the 16th century marked a significant turning point, leading to the division of Kurdish
territories between the Ottoman and Safavid Empires. In response, strategic alliances
were formed, such as the agreement between the Kurds and Ottomans, demonstrating
how geopolitics, through decision-making and collaborations, has shaped the Kurds'
ability to protect their interests and autonomy.
Surrounded by countries with differing geopolitical interests, the Kurds have persistently
fought for their independence, engaging with international conventions and the UN
Charter to assert their rights. The possession of abundant oil and natural gas resources
in Kurdistan further enhances its geopolitical significance. The geopolitical position of
Kurdistan as a potential supplier of oil to Europe, especially amid conflicts like the one
between Russia and Ukraine, presents economic opportunities for both Kurdistan and
Europe.
Strategically investing in military capabilities, with armies like Peshmerga, YPG, YPJ,
and PKK, Kurdistan positions itself as a force capable of protecting its territories and
contributing to regional stability. Membership in geopolitical alliances such as NATO
and historical affiliations with the Warsaw Pact have allowed the Kurds to build
alliances, enhancing their political influence internationally.
Diplomatically, Kurdish delegations work towards securing recognition for Kurdish
identity and autonomy. They engage in peace talks, advocate for human rights, and
seek international support for various causes. This diplomatic engagement contributes
to the Kurds' ability to address issues of cultural rights, language rights, and protection
against discrimination.
Despite geographical, economic, and political advantages, the geopolitical landscape of
Kurdistan also presents challenges. Internal divisions and external conflicts have led to
displacement and migration, with Kurds becoming refugees due to the Syrian Civil War,
the Turkish-Kurdish conflict, and conflicts with groups like ISIS. Discrimination and
human rights abuses against the Kurdish population persist in certain regions,
underlining the negative impact of geopolitical complexities.
In navigating this complex geopolitical terrain, the Kurds are continually striving for
autonomy, economic development, and cultural preservation. The positive influence of
geopolitical factors on the Kurds is evident in socio-economic advancements, cultural
vitality, and strategic alliances. However, the challenges, particularly those involving
displacement and human rights abuses, underscore the need for a nuanced
understanding of the multifaceted impact of geopolitics on the Kurdish people. The
destiny of the Kurds, intricately tied to the geopolitical currents, remains a testament to
the resilience and adaptability of ethnic groups in the face of global power dynamics.