Reactions continue from the international community and various social groups to the attacks on Rojava carried out by forces of the Syrian Transitional Government backed by the Turkish state. Statements emphasize the importance of the Rojava model for the Middle East, particularly for Syria, while also calling on international actors to recognize Rojava’s status.
Contemporary French philosopher Catherine Malabou, widely known for her work on the concept of plasticity and currently serving as a professor at Kingston University, spoke to ANF about the issue.
Philosopher Catherine Malabou stressed that the attacks on Rojava should not be viewed as a simple military intervention, saying they are part of a broader strategy that targets the Rojava model and extends beyond the borders of Syria.
Malabou said, “I do not think these attacks can be understood merely as simple military confrontations. On the contrary, they should be seen as part of a broader strategy aimed at dismantling Rojava’s political achievements and its status. In other words, the target of these attacks is not territorial control, but Rojava’s model of self-organization and local democracy. Because this model clearly represents a challenge to authoritarian state structures.
In my view, these attacks are part of a policy carried out both in Syria and on a global scale. The fact that Rojava has never received genuine support from political authorities so far also demonstrates this. In that sense, these attacks are part of a much broader strategy.”
An alternative model centered on Kurdish values
Catherine Malabou emphasized that the Rojava model offers an alternative to the classical nation-state model and that this experience compels us to rethink concepts such as sovereignty, borders, and legitimacy. Malabou said: “For me, this model represents equality, democracy, feminism, sharing and mutual solidarity, as well as dignity in its absolute sense. The fact that Rojava’s political organization opposes authoritarianism and the nation-state does not mean that it lacks national consciousness or that it is unaware of the dignity of the Kurdish people. For this reason, I see this model as one that combines openness to universal values with the dignity of Kurdish identity.”
There is a betrayal against the Kurds
Malabou also criticized the stance of Western powers, particularly the United States, toward the invasion attacks. She said: “This attitude can be described as betrayal. France in particular supported Rojava for a long time in its struggle against ISIS and in maintaining control over jihadists held in prisons. Today, however, Western countries are leaving the Kurds alone. At the level of the peoples, though, there is still solidarity with Rojava.
In my view, United States policy, if it can even be called a policy, is difficult to define. I would not call it a policy. I do not think Trump has a policy. What I see instead is a crude use of force.
Policy is something constructive; it has meaning and aims to produce ideas. Even if we disagree with it, it follows a certain logic. But what I see here is an approach entirely based on interests and on the authoritarian imposition of United States dominance. I would not call that a policy.”
Rojava’s stance is admirable
Catherine Malabou said that the efforts to preserve the Rojava model despite the constant state of war are admirable. Malabou also said: “Women in Rojava have played a very important role in this process. As I have said, I have always admired the determination shown by the Kurds in general and by Rojava in particular under all circumstances. Even in an extremely difficult environment marked by denial, victimization, marginalization, and war, they have managed to preserve a space for peace and equality. When we also consider the situation faced by the Kurds in Turkey, the fact that Rojava has been able to protect this space is truly extraordinary. In the face of the attacks against them, one can only feel fear and sadness.”
The international stance on Syria is entirely pragmatic
Malabou stressed that ignoring the jihadist past of the Syrian Transitional Government and providing international support to the authoritarian model it seeks to establish is unacceptable.
Malabou said: “A jihadist structure cannot be completely stripped of its past. For the international community to support such a force is a very easy solution. Syria has endured this terrible war for years and the Assad regime has been a complete disaster, yet governments now say: ‘There is a new balance in Syria, and we will respect it.’
But this is entirely pragmatic, or rather a pragmatist. And in reality, it is done by completely ignoring the Syrian Kurds and especially Rojava. What we see here is pure pragmatism. They say, ‘There is a new balance, and we support that balance,’ but that balance is not very different from what existed in the past.”
The international community must protect Rojava
Philosopher Malabou stated that the international community has a responsibility to protect Rojava and the model it represents. Malabou said: “The role of the international community is to protect Rojava, and there are several reasons for this. First, it means remaining loyal to past alliances and recognizing the struggle carried out against ISIS. Second, it means protecting the democracy and equality embodied in the Rojava model we mentioned earlier; these are important virtues and values for the future of Syria. It is also important to demonstrate the political and strategic closeness between Rojava and Europe.
These attacks also pose a danger for Europe. Reports in the media indicate that some jihadists have been released. In addition, ISIS is reorganizing again. Therefore, there is a serious danger for Europe, particularly for France.”
It is a scandal that Öcalan is still imprisoned
Catherine Malabou also referred to the Peace and Democratic Society process led by Abdullah Öcalan, saying it carries great importance for resolving the Kurdish question and ensuring peace in the region. Malabou added: “Öcalan’s dissolution of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) was a very courageous initiative aimed at entering a more democratic process. Despite this, it is unacceptable that Turkey has still not taken steps that would bring this process to a successful conclusion. The Turkish state seems unwilling to do anything. The fact that Öcalan has still not been released is a scandal. Öcalan is an important political actor and negotiations with him are necessary. It is difficult to understand how a president could fail to see dialogue with someone like Öcalan as a duty.”
Who is philosopher Catherine Malabou?
French feminist philosopher Catherine Malabou, born in 1959, teaches philosophy at Kingston University in London and at the University of California, Irvine. A student of Jacques Derrida, Malabou is considered one of the leading figures of contemporary French philosophy. She is internationally known for her work on bridging philosophy, neuroscience, and political theory. Her thought, developed particularly around the concept of “plasticity,” uniquely brings together Hegelian dialectics, brain research and questions of social transformation.
Catherine Malabou has also written extensively on gender, feminism, and anarchism. Her major works include The Future of Hegel (L’Avenir de Hegel, 1994), What Should We Do with Our Brain? (Que faire de notre cerveau ?, 2004), Plasticity at the Dusk of Writing (La Plasticité au soir de l’écriture, 2004), The Erased Pleasure: Clitoris and Thought (Le Plaisir effacé, 2020) and Stop Thief!: Anarchism and Philosophy (Au voleur !, 2022), as well as There Was No Revolution: Reflections on Private Property, Power and the Condition of Servitude in France (Il n’y a pas eu de révolution).
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