Iraqi future for political and strategic studies

This study seeks to analyze the dimensions of the water crisis between Iraq and Turkey, and to clarify its impacts on the Iraqi situation, while examining ways to address it through diplomatic tools and reach realistic and sustainable solutions. It also focuses on the role of major Turkish dams in reducing Iraq’s water share from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, and the resulting serious implications for water security.
Furthermore, the study addresses the nature of Turkey’s water policies toward Iraq, which have been characterized by unilateral tendencies and weak commitment to the principles of international water law. This has contributed to the worsening of the crisis and increased pressure on vital sectors, particularly food security, agriculture, and the economy, amid declining water inflows, the impacts of climate change, and the low efficiency of domestic water resource management.
The study discusses a set of future scenarios ranging from the continuation of the current situation and escalating tensions, to a shift toward forms of regional cooperation based on fair water-sharing agreements. It concludes with the necessity for Iraq to adopt integrated strategies that include developing infrastructure, improving water use efficiency, and strengthening water diplomacy, in order to ensure sustainable water security.

Taiwan has become a central arena of strategic competition between the United States and China due to its geostrategic significance and its geographical proximity to China, which regards Taiwan as part of its sovereign territory. Since the political separation between the two sides in 1949, Taiwan has emerged as a major source of tension in regional and international security dynamics. The expansion of China’s military capabilities and the growing economic and strategic presence of the United States in the Indo-Pacific region have further intensified this competition, increasing the risk of military confrontation, particularly in light of continued U.S. support for Taiwan. Nevertheless, available indicators suggest that both sides remain committed to managing tensions through diplomacy and dialogue in order to prevent the rivalry from escalating into a direct conflict.

Parliament is considered one of the three principal branches of government—legislative, executive, and judicial—in modern democratic states. As the legislative authority, it represents the people in accordance with the constitution and is entrusted with carrying out legislative functions based on the principle of the separation of powers. It holds primary authority in enacting laws and legislation as its foremost function. The second function of parliament is to oversee the executive branch, including the approval of domestic and international agreements concluded by representatives of the executive authority. The third function lies in representing the people before the government.
Parliamentary oversight over the actions of the executive branch constitutes a cornerstone of democratic parliaments and serves as a key indicator of the soundness of democratic governance. This function aims to hold the executive accountable for its actions, ensure the effective implementation of public policies, enable parliament to maintain a balance of power, and strengthen its role as a guardian of societal interests. Parliament exercises its oversight authority through a range of tools and mechanisms, which are typically defined by the constitution and supplemented by other regulatory texts, such as parliamentary bylaws. These frameworks enhance its supervisory powers, reinforce its institutional role, and guarantee its authority and independence within the political system of the state.

Jewish settlement has constituted a fundamental pillar of the occupation of Arab Palestine. Its early manifestations and underlying intentions became particularly evident following the Al-Aqsa Flood (7 October 2023), when leaders of the Zionist entity openly expressed their desire to occupy Gaza and the West Bank and to displace their indigenous populations, with the aim of establishing a state exclusively for Jews.
This study addresses several key themes, including the concept of Zionism and how it is perceived by both Arab and Jewish intellectuals. It further seeks to examine the relationship between settlement and Zionism, as well as their practical applications in Palestine and the broader Arab context. Finally, the research investigates the manifestations of settlement activities following the Al-Aqsa Flood in Gaza and the West Bank. The study concludes with a final section presenting the conclusions and references.

Political alienation and dysfunction in the state and political system indicate citizens' feeling of separation from the political process. Lack of trust in government institutions. so What is the impact of this separation on the state's effectiveness and stability of the political system? This study examines the phenomenon of alienation and its impact on the state and political systems in general, particularly those systems that combine democracy and tyranny, or so-called hybrid systems.
It sets a framework for analyzing the phenomenon of political alienation and its relationship to the state and the political system. The study concludes that the stability of the state and the political system is linked to the ability of those in charge to overcome problems and political crises Which in turn affects all aspects of the state and the system, and weakens the interaction between society and authority. Using the descriptive analysis approach and the systems approach.

This study analyzes the 2024 United States presidential election within its constitutional and political context, with a focus on patterns of electoral behavior, shifts in domestic political orientations, and their implications for U.S. foreign policy. The research examines the nature of partisan competition and the role of key issues—such as immigration, trade, and the economy—in shaping voter preferences, as well as the influence of the international environment on electoral discourse. It further discusses the potential implications of the election results for the future direction of U.S. policy and for the international system. Adopting a foresight-oriented analytical framework, the study highlights the challenges and opportunities that the coming phase may present.

This study examines the relationship between national security and sustainable development in Iraq, with a focus on analyzing how internal challenges impede the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It employs a descriptive–analytical methodology to identify security, institutional, economic, social, and environmental challenges and to assess their implications for stability and development. The findings reveal that terrorism, weak governance, the widespread prevalence of corruption, dependence on a rentier economic structure, and the deterioration of social and environmental conditions have collectively obstructed pathways toward sustainable development. The study concludes that the adoption of a comprehensive national security approach—anchored in institutional reform, human capital development, economic diversification, and environmental protection—constitutes a fundamental prerequisite for achieving sustainable stability and advancing sustainable development in Iraq.

Illegal migration is one of the most widespread phenomena around the world, to the extent that it has become a threat to many states, especially the states receiving migrants. Illegal migration is not limited only to movement from one place to another in an unlawful manner; rather, there are other consequences of this movement. It empties the countries exporting migration of their human energies and constitutes a burden on the receiving states. The security aspect of the phenomenon of illegal migration also occupies a large space among some receiving states, in addition to the economic, social, and even cultural dimensions. The health dimension is no less important in terms of concern.
On the other hand, the impact of this phenomenon extends to transit countries, as the countries through which migrants pass face many problems. Therefore, members of the international community have sought to cooperate among themselves in order to stop this phenomenon or to develop appropriate solutions for it. Some states have even imposed strict restrictions to prevent illegal migrants from entering their territories, as in the case of establishing barrier fences between certain states for that purpose, while other states have moved toward providing support to the countries that constitute a source of illegal migrants in order to limit this phenomenon, as well as to the countries through which migrants pass. In addition, agreements have been concluded with both source and transit countries to confront illegal migration.

The trajectories of American strategy, along with its diverse instruments, toward restructuring the global energy map are founded upon mechanisms of utilization through the relationships it maintains with its international and regional allies, as well as through coercive means, particularly with states that do not share common objectives or whose relations do not fall within its core strategic interests that ultimately serve the higher interests of the United States.
Russia and its energy indicators, particularly oil and natural gas, constitute a central element in the American strategic employment of the energy issue. Amid numerous international conflicts driven by economic and political interests, this is closely connected to the behavior of the sole superpower and its hegemonic management of the global oil market. This is pursued through two dimensions: the imposition of power and the possession of capability, as well as through its giant oil corporations, which rank among the so-called “Seven Sisters.” Such factors provide successive American administrations with broader political and security options for containing global regions of energy conflict.
It appears that the Arabian Gulf region and the Caspian Sea Basin are among the areas most likely to witness intensified awareness of competition or conflict over energy resources. This grants the United States an influential role in stimulating and investing in the dynamics of competition there in order to secure control over their rich oil reserves, as in Iran and the Caspian littoral states. Furthermore, it seeks to contain Russia and reduce its role in managing this conflict by depriving it of influence over the global energy distribution map and its supply routes, in favor of the influence of American oil companies, while continuously strengthening U.S. economic capabilities.

This study sheds light on China as a rising power within the international system, given its possession of the key elements of power that qualify it to become an influential center in shaping the future of the global order. China is distinguished by its vast territory and strategic location in Asia, in addition to the remarkable development of its economic, technological, and military capabilities. These factors have significantly influenced its relationship with the United States, particularly in light of its expanding economic influence worldwide.
The significance of this study lies in its focus on how China employs its substantial capabilities across political, economic, and military domains to bring about a structural transformation in the global system, thereby constraining the absolute dominance of the United States. The core problem of the study centers on the extent to which China can achieve this objective through the effective utilization of its multifaceted capabilities. This is addressed through the central question: How will China’s rise affect the current structure of the global system? And will China be able to attain the status of a great power capable of balancing the United States? The study proceeds from the assumption that an increase in a state’s power capabilities is reflected in its foreign policy trajectories, and that the international system allows states with superior capabilities to reshape its structure.
The study concludes that China possesses steadily growing economic, military, and technological capabilities, which have enabled it to play an increasingly influential role in the global system. China’s rising role on the international stage compels the United States to pursue a more balanced partnership with it in order to avoid strategic conflict. The most significant finding is that China will play a decisive future role in the global system, which is likely to witness various scenarios shaped by the distribution of power. In line with prevailing principles in international relations, states that possess substantial military, economic, and technological capabilities are able to act as influential actors in global interactions, regulate their trajectories, and ultimately contribute to reshaping the structure of the international system.

This study seeks to analyze China's geostrategic expansion in North Africa as one of the areas that has become increasingly important in Chinese foreign policy. North African countries occupy an important place in Chinese strategy, and trade and investment opportunities are the main drivers of Chinese expansion. For their part, North African countries view China as an economic model and a strategic and political partner. However, China's tendency to exercise political and military influence could reshape the geopolitical balance in the region. On the other hand, the escalating competition between China and the United States imposes significant constraints on the foreign policy of North African countries. For this reason, relations between China and North African countries are pragmatic, deep, and cautious at the same time.

The Development Road Project represents a strategic opportunity for Iraq to rebuild its geopolitical role as a vital corridor between Asia and Europe. However, its success depends on Iraq's ability to achieve internal and regional balance amidst escalating international competition over strategic corridors. The project also faces significant security and political challenges, but it could become a political and economic lever if managed with an independent national vision that prioritizes stability, fosters regional cooperation, and addresses the concerns of various stakeholders involved in the project. This study examines the project's geopolitical employment trajectories within the context of international and regional competition.

This study examines the profound geostrategic transformations shaping the contemporary international system, with particular emphasis on emerging drivers such as advanced technologies and artificial intelligence, the shift from traditional security to comprehensive developmental security, and the growing centrality of the knowledge economy as a source of power. It analyzes the implications of these transformations for the structure, functions, and sovereignty of the nation-state, arguing that the state is undergoing functional redefinition rather than existential decline. The study further explores the future trajectories of the nation-state between enhanced structural adaptation and structural vulnerability, contingent upon its institutional and strategic capacity to manage global transformations.

Sectarian and nationalist political discourse, the dominance of sub-identities over national identity, as well as the weakness of the state and its inability to monopolize the use of force, have collectively produced what is known as the “socio-political disease.” This phenomenon has had a direct and negative impact on the performance and function of political authority, given that authority is a reflection of societal representations. This situation requires an effective socio-political socialization process in order to achieve sustainable recovery and, ultimately, good governance.
The sociological study of Iraqi society, reinforced by field research, confirms that the political disease within society has led to negative repercussions on the performance of political authority, as it reflects the outcomes of such behavior. This behavior is largely shaped by traditional orientations based on tribalism, clientelism, sectarianism, and nationalism, while it largely departs from rational choices grounded in electoral programs, realistic political practices, and belief in national identity as a fundamental basis for political selection.

This study aims to analyze the status of women in Israel from legal, political, and social perspectives, with a particular focus on the impact of religious frameworks on legislation and feminist discourse. It demonstrates that personal status laws continue to constitute one of the primary sources of discrimination against women, due to the extensive authority vested in religious courts. The study further shows that women’s political participation has experienced gradual development; however, it remains constrained by the dominance of patriarchal and conservative party structures. Moreover, the research highlights the pivotal role of feminist movements in advocating for legal reforms and in promoting equality in employment, education, and political representation. The study concludes that Israeli women stand at a critical juncture between existing legal gains and persistent social and cultural challenges that hinder the attainment of full justice.

Togoland is considered one of the legacies of foreign colonialism, as it was divided into Eastern and Western regions. The latter came under British control, while the former was administered by France. Colonial policies worked to fragment territories in ways that served imperial interests, with the aim of maintaining control even after formal withdrawal. Consequently, French Togoland became known as the Republic of Togo and gained independence in 1960. In contrast, a referendum was held in British Togoland, the outcome of which favored integration with Ghana, after the colonial authority limited the options to either integration or the continuation of trusteeship, without allowing for the establishment of a unified state encompassing both Eastern and Western Togoland. As a result, secessionist movements emerged in Western Togoland, with demands ranging between unification with the Republic of Togo and full independence, and they resorted to violence as a means to achieve their separatist objectives.

This study examines the 2019 Tishreen protest movement as a political and social event that revealed significant transformations in Iraqi public consciousness toward authority. It analyzes public perceptions and views regarding the nature of the movement, its motivations, and the reasons behind its conclusion, within the framework of state security policies. The research highlights key perceptions, including the sponsorship of the protests by Sunni and Kurdish parties, the support of international actors, and the characterization of the movement as a national continuation of earlier protests (2015–2017) under the guidance of religious authorities. The findings reveal a divergence in perceptions between society and the state, along with a decline in trust toward official institutions due to security repression. The study concludes that the Tishreen movement represented a moment of national awareness, reinforcing demands for comprehensive reform of the political system.

Given the accelerating digital challenges, this study emerged in response to the growing threat of cyberattacks, which target critical infrastructure, government institutions, and the national economy, while also impacting political and social stability. Understanding the relationship between cybersecurity and national security has thus become a strategic necessity to enhance national protection policies and develop effective deterrence and response mechanisms. This research examines the link between cybersecurity and national security in the digital age, highlighting cybersecurity as a fundamental pillar for preserving state sovereignty and stability. The study reviews the evolution of the concept of national security in the context of digital technology, explores the nature of cybersecurity and its technical and organizational dimensions, and analyzes the intertwined relationship between the two concepts in terms of threats and strategies. The study concludes that cybersecurity has become an indispensable component of modern national security, and that strengthening cyber capabilities is essential for safeguarding national security amid increasing digital risks and technological challenges.

The process of political change in Syria has gone through multiple stages. It began in its early phases as a peaceful popular movement demanding political and social reforms, influenced by the wave of the “Arab Spring” that swept across a number of Arab countries, particularly Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen, and Libya. However, the political regime in Syria was unable to contain these protests, which led to their escalation and transformation into an open conflict, further complicated and deepened by regional and international external interventions.
As a result of this overlap, Syria was transformed into an arena for regional conflicts (including some Arab states, Turkey, Iran, and Israel) and international conflicts (such as Russia and the United States of America). This was directly reflected in the Syrian social structure, particularly among minorities.
This research seeks to analyze the nature of political changes in Syria and to monitor their repercussions on the reality of minorities through dividing the study into three main sections. The first section addresses the concept of political change and its stages in the Syrian case. The second section focuses on the condition of minorities in terms of social diversity and their positions toward change. The third section is devoted to examining the most prominent challenges facing minorities, in addition to the opportunities for their empowerment in the current stage.
The importance of this research stems from the fact that it addresses a pivotal stage in the contemporary history of Syria, represented by the political transformations that accompanied the process of political change in the year (2024), as well as the shifts in the structure of the political system and the balances of internal and external powers, with a focus on the condition of minorities.
The research assumes that political change in Syria after the year (2024) has provided relative opportunities to enhance the participation of minorities; however, these opportunities remain limited and have not yet been transformed into stable institutional gains.
The research concluded that political change in Syria has taken two overlapping paths, internal and external, and that minorities have been active actors in this process, whether directly or indirectly. Despite the magnitude of the challenges they face, there are realistic opportunities to strengthen their role and empower them, which constitutes one of the most prominent challenges and tasks facing the political system in the coming stage.

This study aims to analyze the role of the O-Score model in the early detection of financial soundness and its reflection on bank value. This was achieved by applying the model to a sample of Iraqi commercial banks listed on the Iraq Stock Exchange. To this end, the study relied on financial data from a time series spanning 2005-2024 for a sample of eight Iraqi commercial banks listed on the Iraq Stock Exchange. A set of financial indicators from the O-Score model was used to measure financial soundness and bank value, measured according to the Tobin Q ratio. The relationship between the variables was then analyzed using the statistical software EViews v.12 and Excel v.16. The results of the study revealed a significant impact of financial soundness on financial stability and enhanced investor confidence. The results also showed that the banking sector in the studied sample enjoys strong financial resilience and a clear ability to recover from unforeseen events. This underscores the importance of effective financial management and institutional flexibility in maintaining the sustainability of financial soundness. The study concluded with a set of recommendations, most notably the necessity for banks to adopt effective mechanisms for the early detection of financial soundness to enhance banking stability and improve bank value. Banks in a way that achieves financial sustainability in the Iraqi banking sector

The civil state is considered one of the outcomes of the democratic approach, which is based on representing the general will in formulating a comprehensive vision for political life and achieving a state of equal citizenship. In such a state, primary affiliations are preserved under constitutional guarantees and within social frameworks that respect others and accept pluralism as part of the society’s overarching identity. Civil society components play a crucial role in this process by organizing public demands, raising individual awareness, and fostering a sense of belonging to shared societal values. However, challenges arise when certain religious perspectives reject some of the civil state’s principles, viewing it as structurally weak and prone to inconsistencies in practice and cultural implementation. This study approaches the topic from the perspective that religion aspires to transcend the temporal and the limited, aiming at eternal objectives, whereas the civil state is oriented toward worldly achievements with defined rational goals that facilitate societal development. The research therefore focuses on the interaction between religious perceptions and the civil state, highlighting the tensions and complementarities between these domains.

This study aims to analyze environmental governance and sustainable development strategies and their role as a framework for enhancing human security in Iraq amid increasing environmental challenges. Environmental governance has become a fundamental pillar for achieving sustainable development and ensuring human security by promoting the sound management of natural resources, reducing environmental risks, and achieving environmental and social justice. The research discusses the theoretical framework of environmental governance and its relationship with human security, while also reviewing successful international experiences in this field. It focuses on the reality of Iraq and the challenges hindering effective integration between environmental governance and sustainable development requirements. The study further provides proposals and recommendations aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of environmental governance, contributing to environmental sustainability and the long-term reinforcement of human security in Iraq.

Since the beginning of the 21st century, Africa has once again become an arena of competition among great powers within the context of a new geopolitical world order. Despite the formal independence of the continent's countries in the 1960s, Africa remains, in practice, dependent on the major powers active in global politics. The Russian Federation is one such power, having exerted considerable efforts to consolidate its global position and restore its prestige through a new foreign policy. This policy relies on a set of elements with political, economic, and military dimensions, attempting to leverage the Soviet legacy in Africa, cultivate relationships with African leaders, and provide assistance in various fields to African countries. This aims to achieve geopolitical gains and political, economic, and military objectives that enable Russia to compete with other powers on the continent, while simultaneously striving to break the political and economic isolation imposed on it by Western sanctions since 2014.

This research addresses one of the most significant issues that has emerged on the international scene as one of the non-traditional security challenges that has succeeded in reshaping the concept of national security within the international system. The technological development and advancement witnessed by many international powers, including the United States of America, have led to the emergence of new patterns of non-traditional threats, namely cyber threats. This has prompted the United States to adopt numerous preventive as well as offensive strategies aimed at protecting its national security.
The research also aims to analyze and evaluate American cyber strategies, as well as to assess their effectiveness in reducing cyberattacks. Furthermore, it examines the extent of their success in safeguarding American national security and achieving what is known as cyber deterrence.

The East African region and the Horn of Africa hold increasing geopolitical significance in the contemporary international system due to their strategic location overlooking vital maritime routes for global trade and energy. This has made the region a field of competition among major powers, particularly the United States, whose foreign policy in the area is based on a comprehensive framework of U.S. national security considerations, including strategic interests, maritime security, and balancing international influence. Internal conflicts and political fragility have further complicated the U.S. role, leading to the use of multiple political, military, and economic tools of engagement.

This study examines the institutional structure and procedural dynamics governing Chinese policymaking. It is based on the premise that Chinese policies are not solely the product of absolute centralization, but rather the outcome of a complex interaction between the “party-state” and bureaucratic actors. The study highlights the role of the Communist Party of China as the supreme leadership authority in setting strategic directions, alongside the role of the State Council in technical and administrative implementation. It also sheds light on the mechanisms of policymaking and strategic decision-making at the national level. The research concludes that Chinese policymaking relies on a combination of centralized planning and intensive bureaucratic consultation, a process known as “fragmented pluralism,” which ensures a balance between political stability and economic efficiency.

The transformations that have occurred in Turkish foreign policy since 2002, with a particular focus on its shift from reliance on soft power to the adoption of a smart power approach, and the implications of this shift in the Syrian arena during the period (2002–2025), have not been a temporary tactical choice, but rather a structural response to the regional changes imposed by the Syrian crisis since 2011 and the direct threats it has generated to Turkish national security. This reflects the evolution of the concept of power in international relations, culminating in the notion of smart power as an integrative blend of coercive instruments and attraction. Moreover, Türkiye, especially after 2016, has succeeded in building multidimensional influence in northern Syria, combining military presence, local governance, humanitarian engagement, and economic involvement, thereby strengthening its regional position. However, this model has faced challenges related to international legitimacy, sustainability costs, and regional power balances, which highlight the limits of smart power in a complex regional environment.

The Russian–Indian alliance constitutes a deep strategic partnership based on shared interests in the fields of security, defense, economics, and geopolitics. This alliance has emerged within a long historical context of cooperation between the two countries and is founded on several key drivers. In the defense sector, Russia is considered India’s principal supplier of weapons and advanced military technology, thereby enhancing India’s capacity to confront regional threats. In contrast, India seeks to diversify its sources of armament and maintain its strategic autonomy.
Economically, bilateral relations are prominently reflected in the energy sector, as Russia represents a significant source of oil and gas, while India constitutes a growing market for Russian products. At the geopolitical level, both countries aim to strengthen their positions within a multipolar international system. For Russia, the alliance with India forms part of its strategy to counter Western influence in Asia, whereas India views the partnership with Russia as a means to balance its relations with major powers, particularly in response to China’s expanding influence in the region.
Despite these strategic ties, the alliance faces several challenges, including geopolitical tensions linked to India’s relations with the United States, as well as economic constraints imposed on Russia. Additionally, internal political shifts in both countries may affect the continuity of cooperation.

The experience of transitional justice in Sierra Leone represents an important model for addressing the consequences of armed conflicts. The central research problem lies in how to deal with the grave violations committed during the civil war and how to achieve a balance between the requirements of justice and societal reconciliation, particularly in the context of weak state institutions and a lack of trust among members of society. The state addressed this issue by adopting a set of transitional justice mechanisms, most notably the establishment of the Special Court to hold accountable those responsible for serious crimes, and the creation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to uncover violations and hear victims’ testimonies. In addition, reparations programs and the reintegration of former combatants were implemented, alongside reforms in the security and judicial institutions. Collectively, these measures contributed to achieving a degree of justice and strengthening civil peace. However, the consolidation of sustainable stability remains dependent on the continuation of reforms, the reinforcement of the rule of law, and the improvement of economic and social conditions.

Several indicators have become evident in recent years, particularly since the 2015 refugee crisis and the outbreak of the Russian–Ukrainian war in February 2022, pointing to a steady rise in the popularity of the far right in Europe. This trend has been reflected in the electoral gains of far-right parties in several European parliaments, including Germany, France, the Netherlands, Poland, Hungary, Austria, Spain, Denmark, and more recently Sweden and Italy. Some of these parties have even reached the highest levels of political power in countries such as Poland, Hungary, and Italy. Furthermore, the far right has gained significant representation in the European Parliament, where its supporters constitute nearly one-third of its members, indicating a clear trend toward the normalization of this phenomenon and its shift from the political margins to the mainstream in many European countries.
Far-right parties in the European Parliament have formed a unified political bloc under the name “Identity and Democracy.” The penetration of these parties into the European Parliament is expected to have serious consequences for European political life and democracy, contributing to profound transformations in the European party system and placing the future of the European Union at stake.
Far-right parties in Europe possess the capacity to influence the future of European integration and to intervene in policy-making processes. With their presence in the European Parliament, their impact on decision-making within the European Union becomes increasingly significant. All these developments confirm that the influence of the far right on European Union politics is undeniable.

This study examines the phenomenon of external migration from Iraq as one of the most significant structural challenges accompanying the political, security, and economic transformations since 2003. It analyzes its major causes as well as its internal and external challenges. The research focuses on the complex factors that have contributed to the escalation of migration waves, foremost among them state fragility, the deterioration of the security situation, and the rise of political violence. It also addresses economic crises manifested in high unemployment rates, poverty, weak economic diversification, and the decline in the quality of public services. Furthermore, the study highlights the social and cultural dimensions associated with migration, such as the fragmentation of the social fabric and changing values that increasingly perceive migration as a natural option.
The study further analyzes the most prominent consequences of this phenomenon, particularly the depletion of human capital, demographic imbalance, and declining trust in institutions. It also discusses the external challenges related to host-country policies, difficulties of integration, and the implications of migration for Iraq’s international relations.
The study concludes that external migration is not a temporary phenomenon, but rather the result of complex structural accumulations. This requires the adoption of a comprehensive national strategy based on political and economic reform, strengthening governance, and activating diplomacy, in order to reduce forced migration and transform it into an organized individual choice that supports national development.

The future of Iraqi–Chinese relations is characterized by significant opportunities across multiple fields, particularly economic and commercial sectors. Accordingly, this study aims to identify the determinants of Iraqi–Chinese relations and the key factors that have influenced this relationship. It also examines how these relations evolved during the period of economic sanctions and the U.S. occupation of Iraq, as well as Iraq’s position on the Belt and Road Initiative. Furthermore, the study explores the future prospects of Iraqi–Chinese relations.

In recent decades, the international system has witnessed profound transformations driven by the technological and digital revolution, which has had a direct impact on the nature of power and its sources. In this context, the concept of smart power has emerged as a combination of hard power tools (military and economic) and soft power (cultural and diplomatic). However, it now faces a new challenge represented by the need to adapt to a global environment that is increasingly governed by digital media and virtual spaces.
The significance of this study lies in its attempt to analyze the future of smart power in light of rapid technological transformations and the opportunities they create for enhancing influence and dominance, as well as the risks associated with informational hegemony and cybersecurity threats. The study aims to highlight how digital tools such as artificial intelligence, big data, quantum computing, and modern communication technologies can be integrated into smart power strategies to achieve a balanced interaction between its hard and soft components.
The research problem is based on a central question: To what extent can the concept of smart power evolve and adapt to the dynamics of the digital revolution and ongoing technological transformations? This question branches into sub-questions, such as: How can technological innovation be integrated into the diplomatic and military policies of states? And what is its impact on reshaping the structure of the international system and the strategic balance among major powers?
The study concludes that the future of smart power will depend on states’ ability to invest in digital innovation and employ it in building sustainable influence, while recognizing the importance of ethical and regulatory dimensions in addressing the challenges of the digital age. Thus, smart power in the technological era is not merely a combination of hard and soft power, but a new strategic framework that reshapes the concepts of influence and hegemony in international relations.

Measuring political development is a multidimensional approach, as no single indicator can capture its full complexity. The main indicators are generally divided into several categories related to governance quality, democratic processes, institutional capacities, and the rule of law, which reflects the extent to which actors trust and adhere to societal norms, including the enforcement of contracts, property rights, policing, and the judiciary. Additionally, government effectiveness is assessed through the quality of public service delivery, bureaucratic efficiency, adherence to policies, and credibility.
This study aims to examine the concept of political development and its importance for the stability of political systems, particularly in European Union countries, which in turn contributes to achieving sustainable political development. The research also addresses the key criteria adopted by the countries under study to achieve sustainable political development, particularly through the Lisbon Strategy, which is elaborated in detail within the study.

This study examines the position of Ukraine within Russian strategic thinking after 2014, considering it a geopolitical and security focal point in the perception of the Russian leadership. It is based on the premise that Ukraine’s shift toward the Western sphere represented a direct threat to Russian national security, particularly in light of NATO’s eastward expansion.
The study analyzes the historical, geographical, political, and military dimensions that have made Ukraine a pivotal location in Russia’s grand strategy during the era of Vladimir Putin. It also interprets the use of force in 2014 and 2022 as a preventive response—according to the Russian perspective—to preserve Russia’s international status and prevent strategic vulnerability.
The research concludes that the war is the outcome of a complex interaction between geopolitics, national security considerations, and Russia’s efforts to reposition itself within the international system.