As Iraq has developed into the modern state, there has been an underdevelopment, political and cultural repression, and an ethnic cleansing and genocide of the Kurdish community.
At least 25 million people call them selves part of the Kurdish community. Analyzing the current situation between ISIS and the Kurds, it most closely represents the point of view of a realist. Realism is defined as when states work only to increase their own power relative to that of other states. Realism claims that the world is a harsh and dangerous place. The only thing certain in the world is that there is power. The state is the most important actor in the international system and a state that is powerful can always beat out weaker competitors and threats. Realism also thinks that the most important source or form of power is the power found in military. According to realism, the international system itself drives states to use military force and to war. This could be the one of the reasons as to why the Kurds are helping the U.S. They are doing it for their own gain only. The Kurds have relied on by the U.S because they are not strong enough to fight on their
own.
The Kurds are acting in a realist view because they are backing Syria due to the benefits they will get. They aren’t acting out of concern for Syria or the citizens, but are more concerned about their own government.
Even though the Kurds are helping the U.S they are doing it only for their own gain. If another situation were to arise between the U.S and the Kurds, the Kurds may take advantage of that and look at the situation only in their best interest. The Kurds are using the fight against ISIS as a way of gaining ground. The Kurds have been unable to gain politically working through the central government.
If another situation were to arise that would benefit the Kurds, they may be likely to act on the opportunity. For example, if ISIS were to offer more benefits or resources to the Kurds that would give them power to become a state, they may be likely to act on the opportunity and turn on the U.S.