CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2025
| Author | Ismayil Zeynalli |
|---|---|
| Title | The War of Kin-State and Ethnic Boundary Making: The Case of Iranian Azerbaijanis After the Second Karabakh War |
| Summary | This thesis aims to develop Andreas Wimmer's theory of ethnic boundary making by incorporating the literature on kin-state politics and the relationship between war and nationalism. Wimmer’s theory, which focuses on the role of institutional frameworks, power distributions, and political alliances in ethnic boundary formation, is expanded to include the significant impact of external kin-state conflicts. Through a detailed analysis of the Second Karabakh War and its effects on Iranian Azerbaijanis, this research highlights how the war of a kin-state can transform minorities' perceptions of power, increase the salience of ethnic identity, and challenge nation-building efforts in host states. The study also reveals that the dissatisfaction of minorities with their host state's and ethnic majority’s political stance regarding the war further exacerbates ethnic boundary formation. Additionally, the victory of the kin-state itself acts as a powerful catalyst, enhancing ethnic identity and expectations among minorities. By integrating qualitative findings from interviews with Iranian Azerbaijanis, the study provides empirical evidence that underscores the necessity of considering kin-state influences in the theory of ethnic boundary making. This theoretical advancement offers a more comprehensive understanding of how external conflicts involving kin-states can reshape ethnic boundaries and affect the stability of nation-building in ethnically diverse societies. Key Words: ethnic boundaries, kin-state, ethnic minority, ethnic conflict, Iranian Azerbaijan, Second Karabakh War |
| Supervisor | Daniel Bochsler |
| Department | Nationalism Studies MA |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2025/zeynalli_ismayil.pdf |
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