GPIS Dissertation Prospectus 3/30
Old Dominion University
College of Arts and Letters
Graduate Program in International Studies
Dissertation Prospectus
The Treatment of Ethnic Minorities in Democratizing Muslim Countries:
The Securitization of Kurds in Turkey versus the ‘Autonomization’ of Acehnese in Indonesia
Maurizio Geri
ABSTRACT: What factors explain the differences in how democratizing Muslim majority countries treat ethnic minorities? Studies of social conflict in Muslim countries typically emphasize sectarian divisions but ignore ethnic differences. Likewise, theories of democratization in Muslim countries examine the rights of religious minorities but overlook the inclusion of ethnic minorities. This study examines two competing modes of minority incorporation: the “securitization” of Kurds in Turkey (Buzan et al., 1998) and the “autonomization” or granting of autonomy to Acehnese in Indonesia (Kylicka 2002; Lijphart 2004). It identifies three competing explanations for the incorporation of minorities: historical institutionalism of citizenship regimes; ontological security; and elite interests. By examining states with ethnic diversity but very little religious diversity, the research controls for the effect of religious conflict on minority inclusion. This allows the study to examine citizenship regimes independent of established religions, and permits generalization and comparison to minority inclusion in democratizing states that are not Muslim.
COMMITTEE:
Dr. David C. Earnest (Chair)
Dr. Francis Adams
Dr. Frances Hassencahl
March 30, 2016
3:00 p.m.
BAL 7009
Prospectus-Geri 18 March 2016.docx (13.3 KB)
Posted By: Margo Stambleck
Date: Thu Mar 24 09:04:28 EDT 2016