How and Why Did Senior Cadres Radicalize and Join the PKK Between 1960 and 1980?

This article analyzes how and why senior PKK cadres (both male and female) became radicalized and joined the PKK between 1960 and 1980. Using a qualitative research method of comparative analysis, the article examines this issue by reviewing the life stories of these cadres, as documented in their self-criticism reports. The main research question of the article is: “What are the most frequent and consistent motivational factors expediting an individual’s radicalization and subsequent decision to join the PKK between 1960 and 1980?” The study concludes that factors such as poverty, peer group influence, family conflict, school life, ethnic and cultural beliefs and differences, propaganda, and witnessing violence trigger and facilitate the radicalization process, while factors such as peer influence, the cult characteristics of a charismatic group leader, and propaganda consumption spark the decision-making process for individuals to join the PKK. It is suggested that these factors may similarly explain some of the multi-level dynamics of radicalization and why individuals join terrorist groups in other parts of the world.