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Resurgence and Revolution: The PKK and the Kurdish Fight in Turkey and Syria
A riveting current history of the Kurdish rebel PKK group
Aliza Marcus’ new book tells the remarkable story of Kurdish revolution in the Middle East led by the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party)—the rebel group whose insurgency in Turkey has impacted countries, conflicts, and Kurdish demands throughout the region.
Combining reportage and scholarship, Resurgence and Revolution explores the PKK’s resurgence from the brink of defeat after the capture of its leader, Abdullah Ocalan, in 1999, and the brutal internal split that followed. The book tells the story of how Ocalan—operating from prison—reshaped the PKK to extend the group’s influence beyond Turkey’s borders, setting the stage for the group’s dominance of northeastern Syria and the unlikely partnership between its allied forces and the U.S. in the fight against ISIS. Based on interviews with PKK fighters, their supporters, and opponents in Turkey, Iraq, Syria, and Europe, Marcus traces the group’s ability to maintain power in Turkey and extend its activities across borders, using PKK rebels’ own voices to show why young people join and fight for the group and its affiliates in Syria and Iran.
For the more than 30 million Kurds in Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and Syria—and for the leaders of these countries—the PKK is a force that cannot be ignored. Understanding the PKK and what drives its supporters is crucial for understanding Kurdish demands and potential solutions.
The fall of the Assad regime, and a new peace process between Turkey and the PKK has changed the dynamics for Kurdish demands and their control over territory in Syria. Resurgence and Revolution is a compelling and necessary read for understanding the impact of a resurgent PKK, the future of the Middle East, and the enduring struggle of the Kurds to rule themselves.
Aliza Marcus’ new book tells the remarkable story of Kurdish revolution in the Middle East led by the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party)—the rebel group whose insurgency in Turkey has impacted countries, conflicts, and Kurdish demands throughout the region.
Combining reportage and scholarship, Resurgence and Revolution explores the PKK’s resurgence from the brink of defeat after the capture of its leader, Abdullah Ocalan, in 1999, and the brutal internal split that followed. The book tells the story of how Ocalan—operating from prison—reshaped the PKK to extend the group’s influence beyond Turkey’s borders, setting the stage for the group’s dominance of northeastern Syria and the unlikely partnership between its allied forces and the U.S. in the fight against ISIS. Based on interviews with PKK fighters, their supporters, and opponents in Turkey, Iraq, Syria, and Europe, Marcus traces the group’s ability to maintain power in Turkey and extend its activities across borders, using PKK rebels’ own voices to show why young people join and fight for the group and its affiliates in Syria and Iran.
For the more than 30 million Kurds in Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and Syria—and for the leaders of these countries—the PKK is a force that cannot be ignored. Understanding the PKK and what drives its supporters is crucial for understanding Kurdish demands and potential solutions.
The fall of the Assad regime, and a new peace process between Turkey and the PKK has changed the dynamics for Kurdish demands and their control over territory in Syria. Resurgence and Revolution is a compelling and necessary read for understanding the impact of a resurgent PKK, the future of the Middle East, and the enduring struggle of the Kurds to rule themselves.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 5, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 27, 2026
Solid history of the PKK from the capture of Ocalan in the late '90s, through to 2025 cease-fire and announcement of the group's disarming.
A bit of an uneven text; feels more like a collection of essays of different time periods and regions, than a properly cohesive narrative. One chapter covers the PKK's Turkish insurgency from 2005 to 2015, and then the next chapter abruptly jumps back to analyze the PKK's Syrian branch from 2000 to 2012, which makes things a bit hard to follow, especially because it seems like there was clearly a dependent evolution of the two fronts that isn't analyzed in much depth. However, the overall analysis of the PKK's evolution and ups and downs over two decades was very interesting, especially insofar as they're grounded with interviews and bios of actual cadre; wish there was much more of it though, sometimes felt thin or left me wanting more. The geopolitical analysis felt a bit thin, but didn't mind that too much since I have a lot of background on that.
A pretty good read for anybody already keenly familiar with Middle Eastern geopolitics of the 2010s and is interested in the PKK's internal politics and strategy over this time. Despite complaints its overall a pleasant and easy read.
A bit of an uneven text; feels more like a collection of essays of different time periods and regions, than a properly cohesive narrative. One chapter covers the PKK's Turkish insurgency from 2005 to 2015, and then the next chapter abruptly jumps back to analyze the PKK's Syrian branch from 2000 to 2012, which makes things a bit hard to follow, especially because it seems like there was clearly a dependent evolution of the two fronts that isn't analyzed in much depth. However, the overall analysis of the PKK's evolution and ups and downs over two decades was very interesting, especially insofar as they're grounded with interviews and bios of actual cadre; wish there was much more of it though, sometimes felt thin or left me wanting more. The geopolitical analysis felt a bit thin, but didn't mind that too much since I have a lot of background on that.
A pretty good read for anybody already keenly familiar with Middle Eastern geopolitics of the 2010s and is interested in the PKK's internal politics and strategy over this time. Despite complaints its overall a pleasant and easy read.
July 18, 2026
This is a great book I’m new to the PKK and Kurdish history and this is now my new favorite history book it is very engaging. Although it did take me very long to read due to my own personal issues it is a great book that I recommend to everyone.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews