Separatist nationalism in Xinjiang

This research examines the status and direction of Uygur-Turk separatist nationalism in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China during the 1980s and 1990s. The collapse of the Soviet Union and the rise of new sovereign states in Central Asia, particularly on the western border, have had a dual impact on Xinjiang separatist nationalism.; The Chinese government consistently claims that Uygur-Turk separatist nationalism is rooted in outside forces. While international forces have long been part of the nationalist picture in Xinjiang, the impact of the new states and outside forces in general is minimal when weighed against the core antagonisms in the region that result in separatist nationalist movements.; A "primordial-secondary factors" approach to ethnonationalism is used in this research. This approach emphasizes both deep cultural differences between Han and Turk and the Chinese policies that aggravate ethnic tensions in the region.; The opening of the western frontier of China in the mid- and late 1980s to trade and cultural contacts produced new opportunities for Uygur-Turks and others to pursue their long held dream of an independent Eastern Turkistan. The Turkish world in general, and Turkey in particular, have demonstrated sporadic support for the separatist Turks of Xinjiang. In particular, non-governmental organizations outside of Xinjiang, comprised of Uygurs and sympathetic Turks and Muslems are found to be the main source of support for separatist Uygur-Turks. However, the governments of the new bordering states, while demonstrating occasional support for the Uygur-Turk cause, have had to balance such support with an interest in good bilateral relations with a powerful China. Geopolitical realities and the carrots and sticks administered by China to the fragile Central Asian states have apparently triumphed over nationalist sympathies for the time being.; While the impact of the new states has been substantial in terms of security perceptions for the Chinese, and substantial in terms of inspiration for Xinjiang based national separatist movements, the net impact of the new states is found to be minimal with regards to the increased chances of successful separatist nationalism.