Using institutions to moderate separatist tendencies : a focus on Iraqi Kurdistan
Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Political Science, 2005.
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | eng |
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology
2006
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| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/30267 |
| _version_ | 1811088238888091648 |
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| author | Weinstock, Adele B., 1980- |
| author2 | Roger D. Petersen. |
| author_facet | Roger D. Petersen. Weinstock, Adele B., 1980- |
| author_sort | Weinstock, Adele B., 1980- |
| collection | MIT |
| description | Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Political Science, 2005. |
| first_indexed | 2024-09-23T13:58:54Z |
| format | Thesis |
| id | mit-1721.1/30267 |
| institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
| language | eng |
| last_indexed | 2024-09-23T13:58:54Z |
| publishDate | 2006 |
| publisher | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
| record_format | dspace |
| spelling | mit-1721.1/302672019-04-11T11:14:52Z Using institutions to moderate separatist tendencies : a focus on Iraqi Kurdistan Weinstock, Adele B., 1980- Roger D. Petersen. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Political Science. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Political Science. Political Science. Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Political Science, 2005. "February 2005." Includes bibliographical references. This thesis offers an alternate theory to the problem of secessionism by integrating two separate fields of research: nationalism and constitutional engineering. In particular, I apply two prominent theories of nationalism, those of Ernest Gellner and Benedict Anderson, to the problem of constitutional engineering. The theories developed by Gellner and Anderson have furthered our understanding of the historical and evolutionary processes of nationhood and nationalism. I argue that the insight offered by these theories can therefore better guide policy makers, scholars, and constitutional engineers in the design of political institutions for deeply-divided societies. The engineering of institutions has the capacity to contain separatist conflict by striking at what I argue are the two necessary cause of secessionism - desire and ability. In my thesis I focus on one case study in particular, that of Iraqi Kurdistan. I argue that a secessionist movement by Iraqi Kurds can best be thwarted by applying a two-pronged strategy: First, devolve enough power to the Kurds so that their rights as a minority group are protected and their desire for self-rule is fulfilled. Likewise, ensure the representation of Kurds in all levels of government. Second, encourage diversity within the Kurdish political arena. Both components of this strategy can be achieved by adopting a proportional representation electoral formula, selecting a territorially-based federalism, and choosing a parliamentary system. by Adele B. Weinstock. S.M. 2006-03-24T18:35:21Z 2006-03-24T18:35:21Z 2005 Thesis http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/30267 60843749 eng M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission. http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582 48 p. 4665249 bytes 4668958 bytes application/pdf application/pdf application/pdf Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
| spellingShingle | Political Science. Weinstock, Adele B., 1980- Using institutions to moderate separatist tendencies : a focus on Iraqi Kurdistan |
| title | Using institutions to moderate separatist tendencies : a focus on Iraqi Kurdistan |
| title_full | Using institutions to moderate separatist tendencies : a focus on Iraqi Kurdistan |
| title_fullStr | Using institutions to moderate separatist tendencies : a focus on Iraqi Kurdistan |
| title_full_unstemmed | Using institutions to moderate separatist tendencies : a focus on Iraqi Kurdistan |
| title_short | Using institutions to moderate separatist tendencies : a focus on Iraqi Kurdistan |
| title_sort | using institutions to moderate separatist tendencies a focus on iraqi kurdistan |
| topic | Political Science. |
| url | http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/30267 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT weinstockadeleb1980 usinginstitutionstomoderateseparatisttendenciesafocusoniraqikurdistan |