Towards an Independent Kurdistan: Self-Determination in International Law

Loqman Radpey, holding a PhD in International Law from the University of Edinburgh, is an independent researcher based in Scotland. Over the course of the past decade, his primary focus has been the thorough exploration and analysis of facets pertaining to the legal status of the Kurdistan question. His pursuits have delved into the nuanced application of international law concerning the right to self-determination of the Kurdish nation.

• List of Maps Foreword List of Abbreviations Acknowledgements 1. Introduction2. Self-Determination in International Law3. What Is a ‘People’ in International Law?4. Kurdistan: The Historical Background of Kurdish Self-Determination5. Are the Kurds a ‘People’? 6. The Right to Internal Self-Determination 7. Secession: Implications for Kurdistan 8. Kurdistan Statehood9. Conclusion: Decolonising Kurdish Self-DeterminationAppendixIndex

'Even without reading every word, it's clear that this is a very impressive work of legal scholarship. The central conclusion is well-established: "The Kurdish situation exemplifies the weaknesses of the legal principle of self-determination," and it's crystal clear that human rights, even mass atrocities such as those the Kurds have suffered, scarcely enter into the policies of the great powers.'Professor Noam Chomsky, University of Arizona"Towards an Independent Kurdistan is timely. Whatever the considerations that keep states from embracing the Kurdish nationalist cause, the reality on the ground sets precedents and forces reconsideration. The discussion of self-determination could as easily create a framework for Somaliland, Artsakh, or East Turkestan. The examination of what categorizes a people is especially illuminating. Additionally, the discourse on the issue in Iran is likely prescient as Kurdish discord will boil to the surface as succession to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei looms. This book would be a valuable addition to the personal collection of diplomats or journalists working on Kurdish issues."Dr Michael Rubin, Director of Policy Analysis at the Middle East Forum and Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, Middle East Quarterly, Spring 2024Radpey’s book represents a seminal contribution, offering a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the legal dimensions of the Kurdish struggle. His rigorous research, meticulous analysis, and even-handed perspective make this work indispensable for scholars, policymakers, and activists alike. While the focus on international law sheds light on the legitimacy of the Kurdish cause, it also prompts critical reflections on the limitations of legal frameworks in addressing complex political and social issues. As the Kurdish pursuit of self-determination evolves, Radpey’s work serves as a beacon of guidance and inspiration for the future of the Kurdish people.Professor Metin Atmaca, Social Sciences University of Ankara, Asian Journal of International Law, Volume 14, Issue 2, November 2024