Kurdistan Workers’ Party (Partiya Karkeren Kurdistan, PKK) justifies its aggressive methods by the Turkish oppression history and its desire for an independent Kurdistan. Likewise, the Irish Republican Party (IRA) claims that Ireland should be an independent republic, using violent methods to achieve its goals. This analysis draws the parallels between the PKK and IRA in terms of perceived image, the level of organizational structure, and the feminist context.
The media image of radical organizations has always been, to some extent, skewed. The PKK’s view has predominately been as a terrorist organization that uses indiscriminate violence against civilians. However, rather than being indiscriminate, PKK violence is governed by a strict code, formally enforced, and applied mainly in response to Turkish oppression.
Similarly, a popular journalistic view of the IRA was that it was driven by emotion and passion. However, the IRA was a heavily bureaucratized organization that shared many features with traditional armies. This organizational structure contributed significantly to the IRA’s ability to carry out its tasks. Overall, both organizations demonstrated a high level of self-organization, which has assisted them immensely.
The feminist framework also draws a parallel between the two organizations. In 2010, PKK stated that the freedom of the Kurdish people should be seen as inextricably linked to women’s freedom. Thus, PKK underscored that achieving freedom can only be completed if the patriarchal system is defeated. Similarly, the testimonies of women ex-combatants from the IRA show them not as just victims of war but agents of political change. Prioritizing women’s voices in the history of resistance allows for a comprehensive and inclusive review of the political landscape.
In conclusion, both organizations are an example of a nation-state undergoing conflict at the hands of a radical insurgent group, and there are multiple similarities that this work points out. Within both groups, there is a diversity of opinions and freedoms discussed in the context of women’s freedom and political impact. Lastly, both organizations respond to governmental oppression through organized and systematic responses.