Exclusive Citizenship and the Production of "Bare Life": A Critique of Liberal Theories of Nationality from the Perspective of Syrian Kurdish Experience

This research provides a critical analysis of political exclusion mechanisms in modern states, focusing on Syrian Kurds' experience following the 1962 census. The fundamental problem is that liberal theories of citizenship based on universal rights, rule of law, and international institutions are inadequate for explaining and preventing structural statelessness phenomena. The primary objective is to critique these theories and offer an alternative theoretical framework based on Carl Schmitt's concepts of "state of exception" and "moment of decision," and Giorgio Agamben's notions of "bare life" and "homo sacer." The central research question examines how political exclusion mechanisms in modern states can be analyzed through these theories and why liberal approaches fail to explain this phenomenon. The methodology employs documentary analysis and comparative review of political theories. Data were collected from library sources and international human rights organizations' reports. Key findings demonstrate that the 1962 census exemplified Schmitt's "moment of decision," resulting in 120,000 Kurds' exclusion from citizenship order and their transformation into Agamben's "homo sacer." This process involved suspending ordinary citizenship laws, implementing arbitrary criteria, and creating friend/enemy distinctions at the domestic level. The study reveals how the state of exception evolved from temporary to permanent and institutionalized status, with Kurdish areas functioning as Agamben's "camps." Decree 49 in 2011 represents a clear instance of "inclusive exclusion." The research innovation lies in analytically applying biopolitical concepts to a concrete case and demonstrating the structural inadequacy of liberal theories. The study concludes by proposing theoretical and practical solutions for transcending the Westphalian model and moving toward new concepts of citizenship based on human dignity. This contributes significantly to political theory by revealing how sovereign power creates "bare life" and demonstrating the systematic failure of international human rights frameworks to protect stateless populations.