Preparing the Topic: Geo-strategic Studies Team
Introduction
The terms society and people are fundamental in sociology and political science, but they differ significantly in meaning and legal-political implications. While society refers to social and cultural interactions among individuals, people carries legal and political significance, often associated with national identity and the right to self-determination.
For the Kurds, being classified as a people is more accurate than merely being considered a society, especially in Syria, where they have a clearly defined geographical presence and a long historical background. This geographic factor strengthens their legal basis for political rights under international law.
The Difference Between Society and People
1. Society: Definition and Characteristics
A society is a group of individuals who interact within a shared social, cultural, or economic framework. A society does not necessarily have a political identity or territorial claims and can be multi-ethnic and multilingual.
Characteristics of a Society:
Based on social and cultural interaction among individuals.
Can exist in multiple locations without a defined homeland.
Does not require legal recognition as a political entity.
Evolves over time depending on economic and cultural changes.
2. People: Definition and Characteristics
A people is a group with a shared national or ethnic identity, often linked to a specific territory. Unlike a society, a people has legal and political claims, including the right to self-determination.
Characteristics of a People:
Possesses a distinct national or ethnic identity.
Shares a common historical and political background.
Has a defined geography, often considered a homeland.
Recognized under international law concerning political and sovereign rights.
Why Are the Kurds Considered a People, Not Just a Society?
The Kurds in Syria are not merely a cultural society living within a multi-ethnic state. Instead, they are a people with a well-defined geography in northern and eastern Syria, where they form the majority in key areas such as Al-Hasakah, Kobani, and Afrin. This territorial factor strengthens their classification as a people under international law for the following reasons:
1. Distinct National Identity – The Kurds have their own language, traditions, and shared historical experiences, differentiating them from other Syrian communities.
2. Defined Geography – The Kurdish-majority regions in Syria form a contiguous territorial entity, reinforcing their claim to political and national rights.
3. Unique Political History – The Kurds in Syria have a history of political struggle, especially in recent decades, advocating for autonomy and political recognition.
4. Political Aspirations – Unlike a typical cultural society, the Kurds seek formal recognition of their national identity and political rights, further supporting their classification as a people.
International Laws Supporting the Recognition of the Kurds as a People
Several international legal frameworks support the rights of peoples, particularly in relation to self-determination:
1. United Nations Charter (Article 1, Section 2)
Recognizes the right of peoples to self-determination, which applies to the Kurds as a distinct national group with a defined geographic presence.
2. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Article 1)
States that “All peoples have the right to self-determination,” a principle applicable to peoples with a clear ethnic and geographic identity like the Kurds.
3. UN General Assembly Resolution 1514 (1960)
The Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples supports the right of oppressed peoples to seek self-determination, a principle relevant to the Kurdish political struggle.
4. Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States (1933)
Defines the criteria for state recognition, emphasizing the importance of a defined population within a specific territory, further strengthening Kurdish claims.
Conclusion: The Kurds in Syria Are a People, Not Just a Society
Based on the analysis above, the Kurds are not just a cultural society within Syria; they are a people with a distinct national identity, a well-defined geography, and a unique political history. These factors legally and politically qualify them to seek recognition and political rights, whether in the form of autonomy or another legal status within Syria or on the international stage.
International law acknowledges the right of peoples to self-determination, making the classification of the Kurds as a people, rather than just a society, more accurate and just from both legal and political perspectives.
