Italian historian Emilio Gentile and French historian Vincent Duclert have sent messages of support for the Peace and Democratic Society Process.
In his message, Gentile stated:
“At the end of this year of brutal wars, ethnic cleansing, persecution of minorities, and a rising tide of authoritarianism even in the first democracy in the modern world, the PKK's decision in May to dissolve itself to pave the way for a peaceful and democratic solution to the centuries-old Kurdish question, and the recent democratic election of Zohran Mamdani as mayor of New York, rekindle hope in the possibility of offering humanity a better world.
But I must be honest: As a historian who has studied the worst experiences of dehumanization in the contemporary era for forty years, hope is not constantly present in my worldview. I call myself a joyful pessimist...
In this first quarter of the Third Millennium, facts have not often given me cause for joy, instead they have increased my pessimism about the future of peace and the future of ‘government by the people, of the people, for the people.’ Nonetheless, I am equally sincere in expressing my warmest wishes to the Kurdish people...
As a joyful pessimist, I always repeat to myself with Abraham Lincoln: ‘We can nobly save, or meanly lose, the last best hope of earth.’”
Meanwhile, Duclert said the following in his message:
“I do support the peace process which means, in Turkey or in any others countries: a full respect of democratic principles, refusal of political violence anywhere anytime, the release ot political prisoners, the end of persecution of religious, intellectual and social communities, freedom of speech and conscience, liberty for historical research and knowledge...
Abdullah Öcalan’s call for peace and a democratic society is a major step on the way of a new Turkey citizenship. This step must continue. It must be accepted by all the kurdish leaders and fighters. Many of them, like Selahettin Demirtas, were already engaged in this major agenda for decades.
Notwithstanding, I know, as an historian, how important it is to take the first step towards a peaceful and democratic path. It is a matter of personal dignity and courage for us all.”
Emilio Gentile is a former professor of contemporary history at the University of Rome “La Sapienza”, best known for his extensive research on fascism, totalitarianism, nationalism, and the relationship between politics and religion.
In his studies, he interprets fascism not merely as a political regime but as a “political religion” of the modern age. Through this perspective, Gentile has made significant contributions to the understanding of 20th-century Italian history and theories of totalitarianism.
Vincent Duclert is a historian specializing in modern French history and intellectual history, particularly known for his work on the Dreyfus Affair. A graduate of the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (EHESS), where he also taught and conducted research, Duclert has made important contributions to discussions on republican thought, the moral responsibility of the state, and historical justice.
8 November 2025