Zeynep Kaya
Constructing identity through symbols by groups demanding self-determination: Bosnian Serbs and Iraqi Kurds
Kaya, Zeynep; Keranen, Outi
Authors
Outi Keranen
Abstract
This contribution revisits the question over which much ink has been spilled in the study of national self-determination; who are the people? More specifically, the authors ask how national identity in self-determination claims is constructed. Drawing on observations from two case studies, they submit that cultural/ethnic definitions of national identity continue to underwrite self-determination claims. The authors argue that these practices have been central to the process of defining and reproducing the group identity on behalf of which the claim to political autonomy is made. The use of symbols and practices referring to territorially bound distinct nations with different linguistic and cultural features compared with other groups inhabiting the state reinforces the assertiveness of self-determination claims. Despite their differences, Bosnian Serbs and Iraqi Kurds typically follow similar trajectories in their use of ethnic, cultural and territorial symbols to reinstate the validity of their demands.
Citation
Kaya, Z., & Keranen, O. (2015). Constructing identity through symbols by groups demanding self-determination: Bosnian Serbs and Iraqi Kurds. Ethnopolitics, 14(5), 505-512. https://doi.org/10.1080/17449057.2015.1051817
Journal Article Type | Article |
---|---|
Acceptance Date | Oct 2, 2014 |
Online Publication Date | Aug 11, 2015 |
Publication Date | Aug 11, 2015 |
Deposit Date | May 15, 2020 |
Publicly Available Date | May 15, 2020 |
Journal | Ethnopolitics |
Print ISSN | 1744-9057 |
Electronic ISSN | 1744-9065 |
Publisher | Taylor and Francis Group |
Peer Reviewed | Peer Reviewed |
Volume | 14 |
Issue | 5 |
Pages | 505-512 |
DOI | https://doi.org/10.1080/17449057.2015.1051817 |
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Copyright Statement
© 2015 The Editor of Ethnopolitics. This is an original accepted manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Ethnopolitics on 11 August 2015, available online: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17449057.2015.1051817
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