American sociologist and former university president Craig Calhoun sent a letter of support for the Peace and Democratic Society Process, which was initiated by Mr. Öcalan’s call on 27 February.
The message reads as follows:
"I write to express my solidarity with and support for all those struggling to secure a better, peaceful future and some level of self-determination for the Kurdish people. I know that it can be hard to sustain hope after such repeated setbacks and indeed acts of hostility. I admire those who try.
I am particularly concerned for the future of Kurds in Turkey and hope that all those engaged in the peace process are treated with respect. Even more, I hope those trying to negotiate peace with the Turkish state meet with success.
Please convey my message to those who may benefit from reading it. In solidarity,
Craig Calhoun"
Calhoun is an American sociologist and social theorist known for his work in critical social theory, public sociology, and the study of social change.
Calhoun is currently University Professor of social sciences at Arizona State University. He served as Director and President of the London School of Economics, from 2012 to 2016. In 2016, he became the first President of the Berggruen Institute. A role he served until 2018.
Earlier in his career he taught at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Columbia University, and New York University, where he founded the Institute for Public Knowledge.
Calhoun's contributions to social sciences have earned him wide recognition. His work continues to influence discussions on how sociology can address pressing global issues and connect scholarly research with public debate.
31 August 2025