Why did the PKK lay down its weapons 6 key factors
Mehr News Agency, International Group – Azar Mahdavan: In contemporary history, numerous armed and militant groups have operated in the Middle East, each pursuing their political and social objectives. One such group is the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which has been at the center of global attention for decades, profoundly impacting political and social developments in the region—especially Turkey. However, recent years have seen significant shifts in this group’s strategy. The proclamation of its dissolution marks a turning point in its history, reflecting fundamental changes in its approach and methods of struggle.
This decision stems from a combination of internal and external factors that have gradually shaped a new political and social landscape for Kurds. On one hand, international pressures and shifting regional policies; on the other, intra-group dynamics and evolving perspectives among PKK members toward political processes have fueled this disbandment.
Professor Deniz Ülke Arıboğan, advisor to the rector of Üsküdar University and professor of Political Science and International relations in Turkey—also a member of Oxford University’s research center—outlined six key factors behind the PKK’s dissolution in an interview with a Turkish (Istanbul-based) news site:
1- Loss of Ideological Ground:The PKK’s conditions and objectives are inadequate within today’s multipolar world order. The ideological divide between two poles no longer exists; geopolitical balances are rapidly shifting, leaving the PKK struggling to define itself ideologically. Despite its socialist roots, it remains trapped in micronationalist structures.While advocating mother-tongue education as a core demand experts argue this must be pursued more effectively through civil policies.
The global zeitgeist now prioritizes stability security even Abdullah Öcalan acknowledged that his organization cannot adapt to current realities It is concluded that both technically intellectually obsolete
2 Collapse International Sympathy Logistic Support : Regional balances notably since 2010 s undergone major shifts Arab spring failure rise ISIS initially provided opportunity exploit international backing
Yet with ISIS threat gone became element instability questioned existence
Weakening key organizations casts doubt performance Meanwhile withdrawal powerful players like US Russia makes securing logistical support harder Kurdish armed factions
Supporters no longer perceive groups region posing security threats Thus raison d être undermined unclear what they fight or gain backing Previous allies lack reason continue supporting them
3 Regional Power Balance : Trump after presidency radically altered US policy pressured Netanyahu per his demands Negotiating Hamas balancing Israel against Turkey among stances This seen limiting ties
European nations too focused own problems Fearing Russia seek keep ankara aligned Hence priority
4 Contagious Developments Three similar groups formed comparable conditions even mass support ended armed struggles dissolved themselves Following IRA ETA FARC expected follow suit
5 Military Operational Collapse : Diminished logistic opportunities advances warfare tech by police intelligence army nearly eradicated domestic capacity
Counterterrorism evolved technologically past decade witnessed integration institutions creating cross border defenses Homeland defense extended beyond borders drone tech reduced casualties Depleted recruitment faced challenges attracting new members
6 Leadership Conversion Founding cadres especially Öcalan aged weary conflict tested Turkey resolve uncompromising fight decades Decided follow founder imprisoned Imrali return path leading only death carnage his call lay arms harshest self criticism ever faced Ultimately had no escape
