This paper hypothesizes the crucial factors necessary for the transformation of rebellion into separatist movements. It examines the Kurds in Turkey, Iran, and Iraq as a case study to test the hypotheses. Separatism is seen to include attempts by an ethnic group to achieve complete independence from the nation in which it resides. It can also include efforts to increase group autonomy ranging from increased local decision-making rights to confederation, just short of independence. In the first part of the paper the author discusses the conditions necessary to the development of separatist movements. First, the ethnic group must be included within a national boundary containing other dominant groups. The second condition of separation is unequal economic and political relations between the ethnic periphery and the central groups. Third, there must be penetration and activation of the ethnic periphery. Finally, separatism requires an organized periphery capable of coordinating the movement and linking it to outside groups. In the second part of the paper the author shows that the separatist movements of the Kurds in Turkey, Iran, and Iraq are an excellent case for the preliminary testing of the hypothesized conditions of separatism. The conditions outlined in part one are examined in the historic context of each nation. The author concludes that to the extent that these factors that spur separatist movements continue to characterize the modern world, we should expect to see an increase in ethnic conflict, separatist and otherwise. (RM)