Irredentism and the Turks: Movements in Turkey and Eurasia, 1985-1991

One problem in the field of international affairs is the lack of comparative research on irredentism (any political effort to unite ethnically or historically related segments of a population in adjacent countries within a common political framework). The purpose of this study was to examine ethnic Turkic groups in Turkey and Eurasia to determine if movements in this region were irredentist. The methodology included a case study analysis of movements among ethnic Turkic groups based on writings appearing from 1985-1991 in the general news media and journals having a Pan-Turkist slant, specifically Yeni Forum, Tukistan, and FBIS daily reports. Based on these sources it has been concluded that the movements of the ethnic Turkic groups are not irredentist as they are not promoting a political unity at this time. The extent of their cooperations is mainly based on cultural affinities and economic necessity, fostering a return to a Turkistani community.