Iraqi Journal Of Political Science

Secular and Islamic movements in Syria have developed within a complex historical and political context, reflecting the interplay of intellectual and social factors in the formation of the modern state. Secular currents emerged as an expression of a tendency toward establishing a civil state based on institutions and positive law, while Islamic movements represent an approach grounded in religious reference in shaping authority and organizing public life.
As Syrian political life evolved, these movements assumed varying roles through diverse organizational forms and ideological discourses, contributing to the development of political awareness within society. The relationship between these movements has been characterized by continuous interaction, ranging from ideological divergence to occasional practical convergence depending on political circumstances.
These movements have also been influenced by internal and regional transformations, which reshaped their priorities, strategies, and presence in the political sphere. Their impact has extended beyond political elites to broader social and cultural structures, reinforcing their role in shaping perceptions of state and identity.

Overall, these movements reflect a condition of ideological plurality that has contributed to defining the contours of the Syrian political landscape and the balance among its political actors.

Afghan-Iranian relations are affected by several factors such as economy, water, refugees, cultural ties, and foreign intervention in Afghanistan, the latter is an important and influential factor in this relationship, as it has made instability prevail in this country, and made the neighbour fear that it would spread to it, so it tried to intervene to preserve its interests. The American withdrawal in 2021 and the return of Talban to power prompted Iran to think about the policy it would follow, It had previously established relations with it, But Taliban in power differs from it in opposition, so what is the nature of the relations that will be between the two countries in light of the change in the internal balance of power in Afghanistan is what this research is trying to answer, following a historical and comparative approach.

Climate change has emerged as a critical non-traditional security challenge, it affects profoundly on socioeconomic stability, human security, and the patterns of international migration. Environmental stressors -such as drought, desertification, rise of sea-level and extreme weather events- exacerbate pressures on natural resources and livelihoods, particularly in fragile regions, So, that will drive complex forms of cross-border mobility with significant strategic implications.
This study investigates the interaction between climate threats and international migration through a comparative analysis for two selected regions: African Sahel where desertification and resource scarcity generate for migration pressures and coastal South Asia (Bangladesh), were seas rising and recurrent flooding lead to large-scale displacement. Employing a deductive method including descriptive, analytical, comparative, case study, and foresight approaches, the research moves from general theoretical frameworks on non-traditional security to specific empirical observations, So, the findings of this research demonstrate that the Function of climate threats primarily as risk multipliers, amplifying pre-existing socioeconomic and vulnerabilities in institutions rather than it acts as direct drivers of migration.
The study underscores the necessity for integrated in policy responses that combine climate adaptation, migration governance, and international cooperation to mitigate the rising risks and global non-traditional security enhancement.

This study, entitled “Prospects of the BRICS Group in Latin American Countries,” examines the nature of the BRICS group and its main objectives, as well as analyzes the political, economic, and security motivations shaping the orientation of BRICS countries—particularly major powers such as China and the Russian Federation—toward Latin America. It also highlights the accession requests submitted by several Latin American states to this bloc, which are driven by political and economic goals aimed at limiting U.S. dominance over the region and global financial institutions. The study proposes two potential trajectories for the expansion of BRICS activities in Latin America. The first trajectory involves an intensification of the bloc’s engagement based on current international dynamics, especially the growing Chinese economic presence in the region and the increasing number of membership applications. The second trajectory points to a possible decline in BRICS interest in Latin America due to several factors, most notably the expansion of U.S. influence in the region, in addition to internal political instability affecting most Latin American countries, as well as prevailing ideological divergences among them.

This research examines the relationship between public policy and sustainable development, emphasizing that public policy is the main instrument for achieving sustainable development goals through principles of good governance, effective policymaking, and strategic planning. The study highlights key principles such as transparency, participation, and social justice, and explores the economic, social, and environmental dimensions that reflect the role of public policy in driving development. It also stresses the importance of sound public policies in promoting policy integration and safeguarding the interests of future generations. The research concludes that sustainable development can only be achieved through coherent public policies based on good governance and a balance between present needs and future aspirations.

The war on Gaza has redefined the region’s domestic politics and its relations with external actors. The profound effects of the war on Gaza have had an influential role in reordering regional positions, as well as disrupting the normalization processes between Saudi Arabia and Israel, as well as between Iran and Saudi Arabia. The transformation that occurred after October 7 has put regional actors in charge, which confirms the fragility of diplomatic initiatives in it. In addition, the conflict has highlighted the growing influence of non-state actors, and has prompted a reassessment of regional foreign policies, as well as reaching the conclusion that the American presence in the region before October 7 was seen as declining, while Washington has re-engaged in the region after it.
The war in Gaza marks a turning point in the history of the Middle East, pushing the region onto a new trajectory. Hamas’s October 7 attack and Israel’s response have upended many assumptions about the emerging regional order and the role of the United States in it. With regional developments shaped by regional actors (states and non-states), the new non-polar regional order is network-based and revolves around a constantly shifting balance of stability. The Middle East is vulnerable to singular events, often triggered by networks of non-state actors—of which Hamas is one.

Among the most significant topics produced by the human mind that changed the world are political systems, due to their impact on the way humans live anywhere, regardless of who they are or when they exist, both individually and collectively. Many political systems, both ancient and modern, have relied on the philosophy of democracy as a form of governance. Some researchers consider participatory democracy the best way to address the challenges facing political systems in governing and managing the state. The conclusion is that it gives citizens the opportunity to solve their problems and express their free will, while simultaneously overcoming the difficulties of implementing direct democracy and addressing the shortcomings of parliamentary democracy. This research will present the political system of the United States as a model for studying the application of participatory democracy, given its clear implementation and relative success there. The research begins by defining the term \"democracy\" and its history, thus paving the way for understanding the essence of participatory democracy and comparing it to other types. It then moves to studying the political system of the United States by examining its society, the characteristics that made it suitable for adopting participatory democracy, the federal institutions and political and administrative divisions it produced, and how participatory democracy is implemented there. The research presents the most important challenges that may hinder the implementation of participatory democracy, as well as the key foundations for its success and sustainability, in order to stay as close to reality as possible and avoid idealism. Finally, the research presents a number of useful conclusions in this field.

The concept of ideology is one of the most important pillars that shapes our understanding of political behavior stemming from the adoption of different ideas and visions in political thought. However, transformations in all fields, including intellectual ones, are founded on the methodology of influence and being influenced within the cultural and social (sociological) sphere. This is what Daniel Bell presented in his book, *The End of Ideology*, which introduced another dimension to adapting to its surrounding environment, which is constantly evolving with the changes around it. This led to a re-examination of the rigid, unchanging nature of adopted ideologies, instead making intellectual developments and their crystallization a reality influenced by several factors, including modernity, contemporary necessities, technology and its effects, and the generational transition from one generation holding a particular ideology to another holding a different one. Engaging with this dynamic intellectual framework during its transformations provides a framework for measuring ideology in its political dimension, which permeates the joints and institutions of societies, starting with the government and potentially extending to the simplest cultural aspects of society. This has placed it within the realm of relevant discourse. Ideology exists between two dimensions: the fixed (subjective) dimension, such as the ideas and beliefs of the general understanding of ideology, which formed its most important features, namely (entrenchment, fusion, emotional dimension, nationalism, etc.), which gives some ideologues a touch of sanctity; and the variable (accidental) dimension, whose features are formed by the environment surrounding the ideology and the incidental influences that surround it, (such as education, incoming cultures, generational change, technological development, the leftist system, etc.). This is what makes a conflict between the entrenched doctrine and the shifting doctrine, and this makes an understanding of identity that some see as ambiguous between what is fixed and what is variable ideologically.

This research examines the impact of external actors on Iraq after 2003, both politically and in terms of security, Iraq entered a phase of profound transformations in its political and security structures as a result of military, political, and economic interventions by various international and regional powers. The research reviews the nature of these interventions, their methods, their results, and the challenges Iraq faced. It also discusses future prospects in light of the continued influence of external actors on domestic policies and national security. Furthermore, this study focuses on the role of external actors in influencing the Iraqi political and security landscape after 2003, and on the nature of the role of international and regional powers in reshaping the political and security landscape. Iraq entered a phase of profound transformations that encompassed the state\'s political, security, and economic structures, leading to significant challenges related to the multiplicity of local and international actors. The research addresses three main axes
1- Political Intervention by External Actors: This section focuses on the role of international powers, particularly the United States, in reshaping governmental institutions, supporting specific political parties and groups, and influencing election results. The research also examines the role of regional states in consolidating their influence over Iraqi factions, which has led to political and sectarian conflicts within the Iraqi parliament and government. It further explores the impact of this intervention on public policy formulation and citizens\' trust in governmental institutions
2-Security Intervention and its Impact on Internal Stability: This section reviews the impact of external intervention on national security, including military support from the international coalition against terrorist groups. It also examines the role of regionally supported armed factions in exacerbating sectarian conflicts and increasing internal violence, and the resulting impact on infrastructure, public services, the state\'s ability to assert control over its territory and borders,
3- Future Prospects for Iraq in Light of Foreign Intervention: This research discusses potential scenarios for the continuation of foreign influence on Iraq, including relative stability if state sovereignty is strengthened, continued division and conflict if direct and indirect foreign interventions persist, or a shift towards an international partnership based on respect for national sovereignty. The research also offers practical recommendations for enhancing stability, including developing state security and political institutions, supporting economic and social development, and encouraging internal dialogue among all parties to reduce external influence
The research concludes that foreign intervention after 2003 has had a significant impact on Iraqi politics and security, and that the continuation of this intervention exacerbates internal conflicts and weakens national sovereignty. It indicates that achieving long-term stability requires balanced national policies and clear strategies for dealing with external powers.

The international system is undergoing a radical transformation, particularly with the contribution of non-state actors in shaping the dynamics of peace and conflict. Among these actors, private military and security companies (PMSCs) stand out as a complex and controversial model .As they pose a challenge to traditional international legal frameworks that primarily address states, the research aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the role of these companies, starting with their definition and historical development, through the motives behind their spread, and ending with an assessment of their dual effects on world peace .The problem lies in knowing the extent to which non-governmental private security companies can establish a position and an effective role in establishing positive peace-building arrangements in light of current global transformations, while the hypothesis has proven that these companies can fill critical security gaps and provide logistical and training support. Especially given the expanding scope of their operations, the lack of legal accountability for their military and security activities in countries raises profound challenges related to national sovereignty, human rights, and legal accountability. In conclusion, the study concluded that it is necessary to strengthen governance and engage responsibly with these security companies to ensure they do not undermine efforts to achieve international peace and stability.

The growing usage of social media has drastically impacted on politics and opinion formation in emerging democracies with weak institutions and ever-changing norms about participation. This article examines the question of how social media influence the political participation and opinion formation in developing democracies. The article investigates the usage of social media as a discursive fragmentation and empowered network. According to the systematic theory, it can be observed that participatory democracy, the theory of digital mobilization, and the networked public sphere will go together.
The article adopted an analytical-interpretative approach to see how issues, via digital mediation, gain information, create accountability and build narratives in India and the US. The findings show that social media lowers barriers to participation and widens opportunities for participation. Efforts to weave the narrative together further divide society due to algorithmic amplification and echo chambers that communicate emotionally.
This article generates a varied conceptual framework which separates negative types or digital activism (which use the same digital platforms) from the positive types of digital engagement. The ability of social media to promote democracy depends on the strength of institutions, the success of regulators, the level of media literacy, and the arrangements for trust in place at that time. According to the article, this work not only clears up issues, it also looks at the close relationship of the democratic government with technology in the future. The added process of digital involvement will help in the achievement of democratic consolidation.

Double standards in foreign policy are considered a complex and multi-dimensional phenomenon. It mainly refers to the inconsistent application of principles, rules, moral and legal standards in international relations. This study aims to analyze double standards in U.S. foreign policy by comparing its attitude to the Russian invasion of Ukraine with its attitude to the Israeli aggression on Gaza after the Al-Aqsa Flood operation, focusing on the political, economic, and humanitarian dimensions in both cases.
The study highlights a number of attitudes taken by U.S. foreign policy regarding the Ukrainian issue and compares them with similar attitudes concerning Gaza after the Israeli attack that followed the events of October 7, which known by Hamas as the (Al-Aqsa Flood operation). However, these two cases were handled differently by the United States. This research is a serious attempt to prove its hypothesis that the United States adopts double-standard policies in dealing with the Palestinian and Ukrainian issues, and that it applies international law selectively in a way that serves its strategic interests. while Both countries have fallen under the occupation of a state seeking to impose itself by force and using violent power to control the territory of others without regard for international law, and in violation of the general principles of human rights.

This study of American double standards in dealing with regional threats focuses on the threats faced by US allies in the region and how the United States responded to each of these threats. One of the most prominent findings of the study is that US foreign policy was characterized by significant double standards in dealing with the threats faced by Saudi Arabia and those faced by Israel. In the case of Israel, the United States dealt with the Houthi attacks on Israel directly and swiftly, through a two-pronged approach: simultaneously conducting offensive and defensive operations by intercepting drones and missiles, and another approach focused on weakening the Houthis\' military capabilities through direct strikes against them in Yemen. In contrast, the US approach to Saudi Arabia was characterized by military and logistical aid, but even this aid was inconsistent, being suspended at times and restricted at others. This led Saudi Arabia to seek other options after feeling let down by the United States, which failed to provide a security umbrella capable of deterring the threats it faced. The resulting strategy was based on moving away from the policy of alliances and strengthening its foreign relations with other countries. In particular, China and Russia, and their use of influence in the region to resolve crises

This study examines the Saudi-Pakistani defense partnership as one of the pillars of regional security in the Gulf and South Asia, by analyzing the strategic motivations and structural shifts that have shaped this relationship up to 2025. The study focused on tracing the transition of cooperation from its traditional model to an institutional strategic partnership supported by a joint defense agreement, aimed at strengthening extended deterrence and the strategic independence of both countries. The findings highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts to diversify its security partners, localize an increasing portion of its military industries, and hedge against escalating regional threats. Conversely, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan seeks to leverage this partnership to enhance its strategic depth and develop its defense exports. The study also discusses the impact of this alliance on reshaping the regional balance of power and the collective security system to counter hybrid and cross-border threats. The study concludes that the future of this partnership hinges on two primary scenarios: either “comprehensive defense integration” or “maintaining the status quo,” given the challenges of U.S.-China international competition and mutual economic and political pressures that may influence the course of this cooperation and its future directions

This study examines the impact of electoral slogans on political participation as a key tool of communication between parties and voters. It focuses on the linguistic and semantic aspects of slogans, their role in political mobilization, and their influence on voter awareness. The research also addresses the link between the attractiveness of slogans and voter turnout, considering social, cultural, and media factors. The study concludes that electoral slogans play an active role in shaping voting behavior and enhancing political participation.

This research explores Turkey’s strategic utilization of soft power as a pivotal instrument of its foreign policy, aimed at consolidating its regional influence. It seeks to analyze the efficacy of cultural, economic, and diplomatic assets as mechanisms of attraction that facilitate the expansion of Turkish regional outreach.Turkey has increasingly leveraged these soft power instruments to position itself as a preeminent regional actor. Its approach is underpinned by a diverse array of assets, symbols, and values, including its historical legacy, geopolitical significance, and military and economic capabilities. Furthermore, its membership in NATO, balanced relations with Russia and China, and \"zero problems with neighbors\" policy serve as critical pillars. This influence is also reinforced by cultural exports—notably Turkish television dramas—academic exchange programs (TİKA), and extensive humanitarian assistance initiatives.The study concludes that in the contemporary global landscape, Turkish soft power serves as a fundamental cornerstone of its foreign policy framework, significantly enhancing its international appeal and regional prestige.

Greenland is of great importance geographically, economically, environmentally, and politically. Its strategic location in the North Atlantic gives it a pivotal role in monitoring maritime routes and the Arctic sphere. It also possesses natural resources and rare minerals that represent a significant economic asset. Furthermore, Greenland is a key area for studying climate change due to the impact of its melting ice sheet on global sea-level rise. The island is also gaining increasing political importance as a result of international competition for influence in the Arctic, making it a growing point of global interest in the areas of security, the environment, and the economy.

This study examines the impact of Iran’s innovation and technology support policies on reshaping strategic capabilities through nanotechnology. It analyzes the relationship between public policy, technological knowledge, and capability-building by tracing Iran’s nanotechnology program since the establishment of the Iran Nanotechnology Innovation Council in 2003 and the adoption of successive national plans. The study employs the inductive approach, case study method, and process tracing to assess the role of institutions, laboratories, standards, intermediary bodies, and firms in linking scientific research to industry and markets. The findings show that Iranian nanotechnology policies produced partial and gradual strategic capabilities. These appeared in health through therapeutic and diagnostic products, in energy and industry through catalysts, coatings, and composite materials, and in water and environment through adsorption, treatment, and nanobubble applications. The study concludes that Iranian nanotechnology represents an accumulative sectoral capability shaped under external constraints.

This research addresses the concept and reality of cybersecurity amidst rapid and advanced digital challenges and transformations in the world. Iraq faces delays and weaknesses in its digital infrastructure, necessitating digital and legal organization to confront the increasing digital challenges and attacks that affect its institutions, society, and individuals.

The issue of South Sudan is not a recent development; rather, it dates back to the British colonial period (1898–1956). This era gave rise to political, economic, social, and particularly religious problems, intended to pave the way for the South\'s secession to serve colonial strategic interests in the region. This was achieved by fueling conflict and strife to encourage separation, as the occupation kept the South in a state of constant tension between the central government and secessionist forces. These forces initially demanded a federal system, which was rejected by the government under the pretext of maintaining national unity—a situation that eventually led to the military coup in 1958.
However, after a long and arduous process, political matters grew more complex, and demands shifted under the influence of foreign intervention from the United States, Britain, and Israel. This led to the organization of the opposition in 1963, which culminated in the formation of the \"Sudan People\'s Liberation Movement\" (SPLM) led by John Garang. Due to diverging visions and a lack of commitment to agreements—ranging from the political conferences between the government and the southern opposition in 1965 to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (Naivasha) in 2005—the foundation was laid for the 2011 referendum. This resulted in the secession of the South and the establishment of the independent State of South Sudan. Among the first supporters of the new state were the United States, Britain, and Israel, fulfilling an objective they had pursued since the occupation of Sudan.
Despite South Sudan\'s independence, several issues remained unresolved, such as disputed border areas and the sharing of resources, particularly oil, which have become threats to both nations. Stability can only be achieved through mutual understanding and cooperation to address these issues in accordance with the fundamental principles of international law.
The researcher has examined the core pillars of this issue, focusing on understanding the origins of the Sudanese problem that led to secession through historical stages and the factors driving it—primarily foreign intervention and the lack of political insight among domestic forces. Based on this, the researcher has developed a vision for establishing new foundations post-secession that prioritize the interests of both countries, move away from harmful bloc politics, and foster common cooperation to protect the future of both nations.

During recent decades, China has used its soft power (its culture, foreign policy, and political values) to influence international relations by enhancing its positive image for the purpose of attracting countries through investments and economic cooperation. Despite the challenges facing China of competing with Western powers, China has succeeded in many ways in promoting its interests through economic and political influence as it seeks to form a multipolar international order.

This research examines the deeply rooted phenomenon of corruption in Iraq, considering it an existential challenge to the state stemming from the quota system and the absence of stability. It analyzes the devastating effects of corruption on the economy and society, the erosion of citizens\' trust in institutions, and the undermining of the rule of law. The research focuses on integrity, transparency, and accountability as a strategic framework for confronting this phenomenon. It critically assesses the legal and institutional frameworks, particularly the role of the Integrity Commission and the limits of its effectiveness. The research concludes that the lack of genuine political will represents the greatest obstacle to any serious reform efforts. It offers practical recommendations for strengthening the national integrity system and activating community oversight as a means to build a state governed by the rule of law.

This study examines the philosophical transformations brought about by the digital revolution in the concept of citizenship. It adopts an analytical approach that draws upon the Western philosophical tradition to trace the development of this concept. The analysis begins with the contributions of classical social contract theorists—most notably Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau—alongside the philosophical contributions of G.W.F. Hegel and Immanuel Kant. It then proceeds to explore the reconstitution of citizenship within contemporary Western political thought, as articulated by John Rawls, Jürgen Habermas, and Hannah Arendt, where the concept has undergone profound theoretical transformations that have reshaped its meanings and boundaries.
The study further investigates the prospects of citizenship under the challenges posed by the digital sphere, addressing four central problematics: digital identity and the multiplicity of selves; the crisis of political representation and the emergence of digital democracy; algorithms as a new form of authority; and the digital divide as an issue of justice rather than merely a technological disparity.
The study concludes that digital citizenship, in the context of accelerating technological transformations, requires a comprehensive foundational philosophical framework capable of accommodating its inherent complexities. Such a framework should be grounded in integrated principles that combine the protection of digital rights, the enhancement of individual autonomy, and the institutionalization of fair digital public deliberation, thereby contributing to the revitalization of democratic motivation and the promotion of effective participation in the public sphere.

The war between Iran and Israel constituted a pivotal event in the Middle East, reflecting long-standing geopolitical, ideological, and strategic rivalries. The repercussions of this conflict extend beyond the bilateral dimension between the two states, significantly affecting regional and international balances of power. This study examines the implications of the Iran–Israel war for regional peace and security by situating the conflict within a broader historical context, the dynamics of regional powers, and the positions of major international actors. The study analyzes the war’s repercussions across the Middle East, including proxy escalations in Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, as well as the broader reshaping of alliances involving the United States, Russia, China, and the Gulf states. It also evaluates the impact of the conflict on global energy markets, maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, and the fragile stability of nuclear non-proliferation regimes. Furthermore, the study explores the weaknesses of multilateral institutions, the paralysis of the United Nations Security Council, and the erosion of international norms governing warfare. The findings indicate that the Iran–Israel conflict has exacerbated global insecurity and underscored the urgent need for renewed diplomatic engagement and effective regional conflict-resolution mechanisms. In conclusion, the war represents not merely a regional crisis but a critical turning point with far-reaching consequences for the regional order in the Middle East.

This research addresses the issue of local administration reform in Iraq through a critical reading of the legal and applied frameworks of the Law of Provinces Not Organized in a Region No. (21) of 2008 and its amendments, as it is the basic legislative framework that organized the work of local governments after 2003, and sought to consolidate the principle of administrative decentralization and enhance the role of provinces in managing their affairs. The research aims to analyze the extent to which legal texts are consistent with the requirements of practical application, and to reveal the most prominent challenges that faced the process of transferring powers from the federal government to local governments, whether at the legal, administrative or political level. The research adopted the descriptive-analytical approach, through the analysis of relevant constitutional and legal texts, and by utilizing academic studies and official reports to diagnose the reality of local administration in Iraq. The research concluded that the application of administrative decentralization still suffers from a clear gap between the legal text and the executive reality, as a result of the ambiguity of some texts, the conflict of powers between the center and the governorates, the weakness of the institutional and administrative capacities of local governments, as well as the influence of political factors on the course of administrative reform. The research was organized into three main chapters. The first dealt with the conceptual framework of local administration and administrative reform, the second focused on analyzing Law No. 21 of 2008, while the third chapter discussed the most prominent challenges that faced the application of the law on the ground.The research concludes by presenting a set of recommendations and future proposals aimed at supporting the reform of local administration in Iraq, and enhancing the effectiveness of local governments in a way that contributes to improving the level of services and achieving sustainable local development. Keywords: Local Administration, Law No. 21 of 2008, Decentralization, Administrative Reform, Iraq.

Political education is considered one of the fundamental approaches for shaping an informed citizen capable of effective participation in public life and in formulating decisions that influence the future of their society. With the current global transformations and the increasing need to achieve sustainable development in its economic, social, and environmental dimensions, the importance of enhancing individuals’ political awareness has become more evident as a supporting factor in consolidating the values of citizenship, good governance, community participation, and responsibility toward public resources. This research aims to examine the interactive relationship between political education and sustainable development, and to explore how educational and awareness programs can contribute to building a society capable of adopting effective and sustainable development policies. The study concludes that political education—when integrated with a clear national vision and purposeful educational strategies—constitutes a central tool for preparing citizens who possess the political awareness and knowledge needed to support the path of sustainable development and achieve its long-term goals.

This research addresses the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) and crisis management, focusing on the capability of this technological tool to enhance decision-making in turbulent environments ,In light of the increasing complexity of political, economic, and environmental crises in the contemporary world, decision-making has become more challenging in unstable contexts, This study examines how AI technologies can be utilized to improve the efficiency of crisis management by providing decision-makers with accurate and real-time information. In this context, the research discusses AI as one of the most prominent technological tools capable of generating a qualitative transformation in crisis management, through its ability to process large datasets, anticipate future scenarios, and offer innovative solutions that enable decision-makers to handle uncertainty with greater accuracy and flexibility.

This research examines the role of soft power in implementing counterterrorism strategies in Iraq. It aims to analyze the role of non-military institutions by focusing on educational, intellectual, and religious dimensions, as well as the importance of cybersecurity within the framework of the national counterterrorism strategy. This is in addition to utilizing security and military tools to address the root causes of extremism and dry up its intellectual sources, thereby strengthening societal stability and limiting the spread of terrorist organizations. The research concludes that the success of the counterterrorism strategy is not limited to security and military measures alone, but also requires the effective utilization of soft power through education, culture, religious discourse, and international cooperation, as well as building a knowledge-based and social environment capable of immunizing society against extremist ideas and promoting the values of stability.

Decentralization is a strategic tool for promoting local development in developing countries by transferring powers and resources from the central government to local units. This model aims to increase the efficiency of resource management, improve the quality of services, and enhance public participation in decision-making. International experience indicates that decentralization can improve the efficiency of resource allocation and stimulate local innovation, but it faces challenges such as a lack of administrative capacity, corruption, and regional imbalances. Many countries have struggled to achieve a fully-fledged decentralized system due to existing administrative corruption and a scarcity of resources necessary for its success. To demonstrate the extent to which developing countries can achieve a qualitative shift in decentralized governance amidst the circumstances and challenges they face, and to work to ensure its success, it is possible to implement this type of governance in developing countries effectively, but its effectiveness is affected by several factors, most notably administrative capabilities, the fair distribution of resources, the existence of oversight mechanisms to combat corruption, the need to develop local capacities, the application of effective oversight mechanisms, and ensuring a fair distribution of resources. Therefore, the decentralized governance experiment can succeed in developing countries if there are serious intentions from the ruling classes to create genuine decentralization, rationality and governance in dealing with the wealth and resources in the country, and to create a state of balance in the administrative division process that prevents the creation of rich units and poor units.

The study explores the most prominent peace-building strategies that will play a decisive role in achieving security and stability in post-conflict societies. This study first addressed the theoretical framework, by focusing on a number of theories that attempted to analyze the concept of peace-building, including the Constructivist Theory, the Realist Theory, the Liberal Theory and Johan Galtung\'s Theory. This study also shed light on the conceptual framework of peace, peace-building and violence. The study also addressed the most important challenges facing peace-building in these societies that suffered from violence and instability and what are the most effective strategies that contribute to ending violence and enhancing peace -building. Moreover, the study assumes that peace cannot be built in post-conflict societies without adopting effective strategies to prevent conflict and violence.
Keywords: Peace, Peace-building, Violence and Post-Conflict Societies.
Objectives of the Study: the study aims to identify the underlying causes of societal conflict in post-conflict societies, and what are coherent peace-building strategies to ensure durable peace and ending conflicts.
Problem Statement: Most post-conflict societies still face significant challenges due to the lack of successful strategies for building sustainable peace and ending conflict. Therefore, this research seeks to answer the following questions:
1- What are the main challenges facing the peace-building process in post-conflict societies?
2- What are the most appropriate strategies for building lasting and sustainable peace?
Research methodology: the adopted methodology in this study is Johan Galtung\'s theory which assumes that true peace is positive peace and that peace-building must aim to address the root causes of structural violence, not simply stop the apparent violence. The other theory is strategic peace-building theories that focus on long-term comprehensive peace planning, taking into account the political, economic, social and cultural dimensions of conflict..
Scope of the Study: the study is located in the field of peace-building in the post-conflict societies, with reference to post-conflict societies in Africa and South America.