Uyghurs in Xinjiang United or Divided Against the PRC
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Authors
Phillips, Jenny L.
Subjects
Uyghur
Xinjiang
political consolidation
identity
jihad
Islamic radicalization
mobilization
Chinese policies
Xinjiang
political consolidation
identity
jihad
Islamic radicalization
mobilization
Chinese policies
Advisors
Mabry, Tristan J.
Date of Issue
2012-09
Date
Sep-12
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
This thesis seeks to answer the question of how the Chinese governments policies towards the Uyghurs, a Turkic Muslim group living predominantly in the northwestern Chinese province Xinjiang, have influenced the political consolidation of the Uyghurs. Three aspects of this question will be explored Uyghur identity, interests, and Islamic mobilization. First, have Chinese policies helped to strengthen or weaken Uyghur identity Second, how have Chinese policies shaped Uyghur interests Finally, is there any evidence of Islamic radicalization and mobilization of Uyghurs in Xinjiang, evaluated in the context of Marc Sagemans theory on Islamic radicalization This thesis argues that the PRCs policies in Xinjiang have increased Uyghur solidarity socially but not politically. The Chinese policies have served to unintentionally unify the Uyghurs in opposition against a common adversary. Nevertheless, the PRCs overwhelming state capacity to repress Uyghur discontent has prevented the Uyghurs from achieving any significant form of political consolidation. Finally, there is very little evidence of Uyghur Islamic radicalization and mobilization. The situation in Xinjiang does not fit Sagemans theory on Islamic radicalization.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Security Studies
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
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Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.