The Transformation of the PKK (Kurdistan Workers\u27 Party): Exploring Domestic, Regional, and Global Dynamics

The main purpose of this study is to explore the underlying factors behind the political and ideological transformation of the Kurdistan Workers\u27 Party (PKK) since its foundation. Through the detailed analysis of the role of Turkey\u27s internal versus external factors on the evolution of the PKK over time, this work finds that changing political developments in the Middle East were more influential than Turkey\u27s shifting domestic political environment. Hypothesis testing revealed that the 1991 Gulf War, 2003 Iraq War, changing political dynamics of the Middle East following Syria\u27s Arab Spring, and policy changes worldwide implemented after the 9/11 terrorist attacks played determining role in the PKK\u27s shifting profile over time. Turkey\u27s political sphere regarding the Kurdish issue; however, fell short in providing overarching explanation over the terrorist organization\u27s changing ultimate goal. Findings showed that the terrorist organization\u27s ultimate goal and its concomitant strategies led the Turkish government to adjust its counterterrorism policies rather than vice versa, which indicates the importance of the external factors and the PKK\u27s capability to keep up with the changing regional and international realitie