Iraqi Journal Of Political Science

Political Parties are the main gatekeepers for candidates to participate in elections. Parties therefore have great influence over the degree of political participation at local, regional, and national levels. democracy is based on inclusiveness, which political parties and representative institutions are in a key position to safeguard. In most countries, parties determine which candidates are nominated and elected and which issues achieve national prominence.

This research addresses an intellectual topic represented by the critique of traditional capitalist thought, which is based on the logic of the market and profits without any consideration for moral values and human considerations. Calls have intensified accusing capitalism, in its traditional conception, of being responsible for all environmental degradation, financial crises, violations of human rights, and inequality. Consequently, calls have increased for the integration of values and ethical concepts into the mechanisms of the capitalist system. These calls cannot be regarded as a radical transformation in the structure of the capitalist system; rather, they represent a positive adaptation of capitalism to global transformations and new concepts in governance, human rights, environmental preservation, equality, and sustainability, in order to attain global legitimacy and acceptability.

Local governments in Iraq play a pivotal role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), given their proximity to citizens and their ability to identify their needs. They work to support economic development by encouraging investment and developing infrastructure, improving social conditions by providing basic services such as healthcare and education, and reducing poverty. They also strive to enhance governance by establishing principles of transparency and accountability, building partnerships with civil society organizations and international organizations, and addressing environmental issues. Despite these roles, the contribution of local governments remains limited due to a number of challenges, most notably weak financial resources, widespread corruption, political interference, and inadequate administrative and planning capacities. Achieving the SDGs in Iraq remains contingent on the ability of local governments to overcome these obstacles and enhance their institutional efficiency.

This research addresses the issue of consultation (shura) and democracy within the realm of contemporary Islamic thought. It examines the jurisprudential and intellectual foundations of the concept of consultation within the Islamic system as a fundamental principle in Islamic political theory and the question of governance and the ruler. The research analyzes the concept of consultation in terms of its obligation, necessity, or desirability, and the impact of differing interpretations of Quranic verses on consultation. It also explores the application of consultation in the political experience of Muslims and examines the commonalities or divergences between the concepts of consultation and democracy, as well as the stance of contemporary Islamic thought on this issue. Furthermore, it presents the views of some Islamic thinkers on the relationship between consultation and democracy, whether in support, opposition, or reconciliation through the term "consultation in a democratic sense." The research aims to analyze the jurisprudential, legal, and intellectual foundations of consultation as a general applied principle found in the Holy Quran, employing a historical and comparative research methodology. The most prominent conclusions reached by the research are as follows:
1- Consultation (Shura) is obligatory as a fundamental Islamic principle.
2- The intellectual foundations of democracy and consultation differ.
3- Reconciling consultation and democracy and creating a democratic concept of consultation is incompatible with contemporary Islamic thought.
4- Democracy is a philosophy of governance that is a product of the Western political environment.
5- Efforts should be made to obligate rulers to adopt consultation in their relationship with the ruled.

This study examines the question of security within the political thought of the (Israeli) right after the year 2000. The concept of security is among the most widely circulated terms within the (Israeli) entity, a reality attributable to the colonial nature of the (Israeli) entity's existence, grounded in the Arab-Zionist conflict and the attendant sense of threat — particularly within (Israeli) society, which regards security as a fundamental necessity. This condition has been systematically exploited by the (Israeli) right through the instrumentalization of the security question at the societal level in pursuit of political gains. The study focuses on how the concept of security is ideologically produced within the (Israeli) right at the intellectual level, and how its policies are justified from ideological premises. The study addresses two principal axes: the first concerns the conception of security held by the (Israeli) right in both its secular and religious currents; the second examines the security propositions advanced by the (Israeli) right. The study concludes that the (Israeli) right's conception of security does not constitute a neutral or rational vision oriented solely toward the achievement of security, but rather reflects a policy that mirrors the expansionist orientation embedded within the intellectual foundations of the (Israeli) right, with the aim of consolidating hegemony at both the domestic and regional levels.

The role of strategic planning and public policies in achieving sustainable development in Iraq is examined through an analysis of the reality of government planning and development policies after 2003, and their ability to address economic, social, and environmental challenges. The study focuses on the importance of a long-term strategic vision and effective public policies that contribute to economic diversification, improved services, and enhanced stability and human development.
The study also addresses the most prominent challenges facing sustainable development in Iraq, such as administrative corruption, weak institutions, dependence on oil, and political instability. The study concludes that the success of sustainable development in Iraq requires strengthening the integration of strategic planning and public policies, developing institutions, achieving good governance, and adopting comprehensive strategies based on diversifying economic resources, supporting investment, and developing human resources to ensure development for current and future generations.

The media is characterized by its ability to deliver messages to a wide audience with different trends and levels and to individuals unknown to the communicator, as we find that the media is more present and more expressive of people's interests and opinions, which provides these media with popularity that works to spread the culture of dialogue, tolerance and coexistence among people, which pushes for dialogue between peoples and allows for more tolerance and understanding, consolidating cultural pluralism and recognizing the importance of the media in promoting and respecting cultural diversity and contributing to encouraging the principles of tolerance and preserving it as a way for coexistence among people.

International sanctions constitute a central instrument in U.S. foreign policy to exert pressure without direct military engagement; however, their effectiveness remains contested within the complexities of the international system. A clear gap emerges between their ability to generate tangible economic impact and their limited capacity to produce decisive political outcomes, particularly in matters related to national security. Cases such as Iran and Russia demonstrate that targeted states can adapt by diversifying economic partnerships, developing alternative financial mechanisms, and reinforcing domestic cohesion, thereby reducing the impact of external pressure. Moreover, the multipolar nature of the global system weakens unilateral sanctions and provides alternative economic pathways. In this context, sanctions cannot be considered a decisive tool on their own, but rather a relative instrument of pressure whose effectiveness depends on international coordination and its integration within a comprehensive strategy balancing coercion and the achievement of strategic interests.

Environmental security is increasingly prioritized in political agendas and international relations, both domestically and globally. This attention stems from the intricate link between environmental issues and security, with environmental threats now ranking among the most significant to national security. As a result, countries are adopting environmental foreign policies aligned with global discourse to safeguard environmental security and enhance their international standing. Germany and Brazil exemplify leadership in this field. Although they differ in their goals, methods, and approaches, both countries demonstrate that environmental security has gained strategic importance, empowering states that can manage it effectively to wield influence and power in the current global system.

This scholarly study provides a rigorous and expanded analysis of the vital role that decentralized governance plays as a structural reformative tool for the electricity sector in Iraq, examining its theoretical underpinnings and institutional applications in public utility management. The research underscores the critical necessity of addressing chronic systemic failures resulting from rigid central control and infrastructure degradation, while offering a detailed exploration of the complex economic and institutional hurdles that have impeded energy sustainability. Employing a robust descriptive-analytical methodology, the paper scrutinizes national legislation, government policies, and official performance audits from the post-2003 era to evaluate how power-sharing between federal and local authorities impacts service efficiency and administrative transparency. The study concludes with strategic findings indicating that a well-regulated transition to decentralization—within a comprehensive legal framework bolstered by strict oversight and technical capacity building—is essential for mitigating massive resource waste and improving service delivery. Ultimately, this reformatory path is identified as a fundamental prerequisite for achieving long-term economic resilience, social stability, and the overall modernization of Iraq’s strategic energy infrastructure.

Turkish-Russian relations have gone through several phases, with the two countries sometimes seeing convergence in their political visions on foreign policy, depending on the variables and conflicting political positions on regional issues. After Vladimir Putin assumed power in the Russian Federation, relations developed significantly due to economic agreements. However, despite this cooperation between the two countries, relations were not without some disturbances and crises that emerged from time to time. However, the attempted military coup in Turkey in 2016 strengthened relations between them even further.

This study examines the evolving role of cyberspace in contemporary conflict through an analytical perspective on Russia’s use of digital capabilities in complex warfare environments. It highlights how cyber tools are integrated with intelligence and military structures to generate sustained strategic pressure by targeting critical infrastructure and influencing information environments. The study also explores the limits of cyber power in achieving decisive outcomes, emphasizing its role in prolonging conflict and increasing operational costs. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of resilience, defensive capacity, and international technical cooperation in mitigating cyber threats, offering insights into emerging patterns of deterrence and power in modern hybrid warfare.

Iraqi-Turkish relations have been characterized by strong social ties of shared history, culture and brotherly relations between neighbors. Turkey and Iraq share the same ideals in their regional goals, which are to promote peace, stability, freedom and prosperity, and to enhance dialogue mechanisms in order to increase cooperation in all fields. In addition to their common goals, there are challenges and opportunities that require great efforts. These challenges, along with the opportunities, formed the basis of the Memorandum of Understanding between them, which was signed by Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Kamil al-Maliki and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on August 7, 2007 in Turkey. The two sides, emphasizing their commitment to the elements and principles of cooperation stipulated in this Memorandum of Understanding, as well as their vision for the common future of their countries, decided to culminate in the formation of a Strategic Cooperation Council between Turkey and Iraq, based on the initiative of President Jalal Talabani during his visit to Turkey on March 7-8, 2008. Therefore, the Iraqi government officially announced on Thursday, July 10, 2008, the establishment of the (High Council for Strategic Cooperation between Iraq and Turkey) during the visit of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Baghdad.

Rationality in the exercise of political power is one of the most important pillars upon which the efficiency of the political system is based, as it is manifested in the ability of political actors to diagnose and acknowledge mistakes, and to work to address them by adopting realistic and systematic solutions. This research aims to shed light on the topic of rationality in the exercise of political power and analyze its impact on the efficiency of the Iraqi political system. We employed a descriptive-analytical approach and concluded that rationality in political decision-making contributes to the development of institutions, enhances their efficiency, and fosters a stable regulatory environment. Institutions that adopt rational principles in their operations are better equipped to implement policies effectively and minimize losses resulting from internal conflicts and external interventions. The research recommends strengthening the principle of rationality in the political decision-making process through reliance on data and scientific analysis.

This study examines the transformations of the international system in light of the rise of multipolarity after 2020, analyzing structural shifts in the global distribution of power and patterns of interaction among major actors. The research argues that the COVID-19 pandemic represented a critical turning point that accelerated the decline of unipolarity and the emergence of a more complex and pluralistic order. It adopts an analytical-interpretive approach focusing on the strategic rivalry between the United States and China, as well as Russia’s role in reshaping security balances, particularly in the aftermath of the Russia–Ukraine war.
The study further explores the growing influence of regional and emerging powers and the rise of economic and political groupings such as BRICS, alongside the continued relevance of traditional security frameworks such as NATO. It concludes that the contemporary international system is evolving toward a form of “flexible multipolarity,” characterized by fluid alliances, overlapping arenas of conflict and cooperation, and the increasing use of economic, technological, and cyber instruments of power—indicating not merely a redistribution of power but a broader reconfiguration of the rules governing global order.

This study addresses the geopolitics of technology and artificial intelligence in the context of international relations, in light of the profound transformations witnessed by the international system as a result of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The study aims to analyze the impact of artificial intelligence on the distribution of power in the international system, the competition between major powers for dominance over these strategic technologies, and the implications for the national security of states, especially Iraq. The study adopted a descriptive-analytical approach, a historical approach, a comparative approach, and a forward-looking approach. The study concluded that artificial intelligence has become a pivotal tool of national power and has reshaped international power balances, with clear American-Chinese dominance in this field, while Arab countries, including Iraq, suffer from significant delay in keeping pace with this transformation. The study recommends the urgent adoption of a national artificial intelligence strategy, building human capacities, and strengthening international partnerships to ensure Iraqi national security in the digital age.

Community awareness is a key tool in promoting political participation, as it contributes significantly to shaping individuals’ behavior and attitudes towards public affairs, and developing their ability to think critically and analyze issues objectively The higher the level of societal awareness, the greater the citizens’ willingness to engage positively in political life and actively contribute to shaping public policies and decision-making. This contributes to enshrining democratic values, the principle of equal opportunities, reducing exclusion and marginalization, alleviating social tensions, and supporting political stability.

The recruitment and use of children under the age of fifteen as soldiers is prohibited under international humanitarian law and international agreements and norms, and is considered a war crime by the International Criminal Court. Furthermore, human rights law declares eighteen years of age as the legal minimum age for recruitment and use of children in hostilities. The research aims to highlight the problem of recruiting and using children in armed conflicts and the role of the United Nations in reducing this phenomenon. The inductive method and the descriptive analytical approach were followed in studying the research problem, which is based on the fact that recruiting and using children in armed conflicts is an ongoing issue despite the existence of a number of international agreements and treaties that have prohibited it.

Health Security is considered one of the key dimensions of human security, aiming to ensure a minimum level of protection and prevention against diseases through the availability of healthcare services and the accessibility thereto in accordance with international quality standards, while taking into account the cultural context of society. After 2014, the health sector in Iraq faced several obstacles that contributed to the deterioration of healthcare services and undermined citizens’ trust therein, which negatively affected the achievement of health security. To address these challenges, successive Iraqi governments and the Ministry of Health adopted plans and policies to strengthen healthcare services, achieving certain advancements in infrastructure and human and material resources; however, full compliance with the standards of the World Health Organization remains limited. Emphasizing the achievement of the third Sustainable Development Goal constitutes a fundamental step toward improving public health and supporting social and economic development in Iraq.

Since the beginning of the 21st century, the African continent has faced increasing challenges in the field of peacebuilding, due to the accumulation of armed conflicts, institutional weakness, and the interplay of political, economic, and ethnic factors, After 2003 the continent witnessed numerous initiatives aimed at achieving stability; however, most of them were hindered by internal and external obstacles that limited their effectiveness, The case of Sudan stands as a representative example of these challenges, where successive peace agreements failed to result in a comprehensive and lasting settlement. The influencing factors range from ethnic conflicts and weak transitional justice mechanisms to regional and international interventions, all of which have contributed to political and social instability, The African experience highlights the need for more integrated and comprehensive approaches that take into account the specificities of local contexts and seek to address the root causes of conflicts rather than merely their manifestations.

This research addresses the concept of the public sphere according to Jürgen Habermas by tracing its theoretical, historical, and structural dimensions, and then analyzing the most prominent criticisms directed at it.
The first section examines the conceptual framework of the public sphere as a space for communication among individuals aimed at forming public opinion. It also explores its historical roots in modern Europe, as well as the intellectual context that contributed to the development of Habermas’s theory of the public sphere.
The second section sheds light on the structure of the public sphere in Habermas’s thought, where it is considered a space based on rational-critical debate. This process leads to the formation of a critical public opinion and constitutes the foundation of deliberative democracy, which, in turn, relies on rational dialogue as a means of political decision-making.
In the third section, the study analyzes the most significant criticisms directed at Habermas’s thesis, particularly from feminist and social perspectives, in addition to critiques related to the difficulty of applying the ideal model in real political and social contexts. It also addresses the challenges posed by the contemporary digital sphere. The study concludes that, while the concept of the public sphere remains a valuable normative and analytical framework, its practical application faces several structural constraints and contemporary transformations, which necessitate its reconsideration and further development in line with present-day realities.

The out break of the Russian – Ukrainian war Caused The emergence of Several issues , inclusion Security , economicand others . The war between Russia and ukrain erstored the atmosphere of the cold war between the two poles , The united states of America and the former Sovietunion , Which prevailed in the wake of the cold war .

The issue of human rights has garnered significant attention throughout various eras, with varying degrees of emphasis from one period to another. The concept of human rights has evolved and expanded with the complexity and development of life, continuously adapting to changes in societal fields and progress. This evolution reflects the inherent dynamism of human rights, which constantly adjust to the transformations and advancements in various political and social domains.
The international and national interest in human rights and fundamental freedoms has escalated in recent years to the extent that this era is truly considered the era of human rights. This heightened attention can be attributed to the elevated value and dignity of human beings. The international community's concern for protecting human rights has increased, leading to the emergence of numerous concepts and ideas regarding human rights and freedoms. Despite their ancient origins, human rights have evolved through various stages in different political and social arenas.
The neglect and diminishment of human rights have historically led to barbaric acts that have violated human conscience. The ultimate desire of humanity has been the emergence of a world where individuals enjoy freedom of speech, action, belief, and liberation from constraints. Therefore, it has become necessary for the law to protect human rights to prevent rebellion against tyranny and injustice. This necessity has been a fundamental driving force for governments and institutions to activate their roles in monitoring, deterring, and mitigating crimes, as well as punishing violators of the law. Consequently, criminal protection of human rights has been initiated.
Criminal protection is one of the most important forms of legal protection as it directly affects human life and freedom. The International Criminal Court is the principal judicial instrument established by the international community to confront serious violations of human rights, which constitute international crimes falling within its jurisdiction. The Court plays a crucial role in safeguarding human rights by prosecuting individuals who commit serious crimes against humanity and human rights violations, ensuring justice and accountability for perpetrators of such crimes.
The United Nations has been committed to criminal protection of human rights and has issued numerous international treaties, agreements, and conventions concerning human rights. Since its inception in 1945, the UN has sought to expand the scope of international protection of human rights through declarations, treaties, and conventions, with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 serving as a cornerstone for human rights protection. In addition to conventions specifically aimed at protecting international human rights and combating racial discrimination and its punishment, the UN has established a comprehensive system to provide international protection for human rights.
The organization of international criminal protection of human rights is not solely a matter of internal state affairs but has become a concern of the international community as a whole. Therefore, the concept of protection is based on the principle of universality, transcending political borders and being applied globally. Furthermore, criminal protection of human rights falls within the realm of important topics in international public law, intersecting with the field of criminal policy.

This study examines how middle powers — Turkey, Qatar, and the UAE — have employed soft power diplomacy tools to enhance their regional and international influence during 2000–2024, drawing on descriptive, analytical, and comparative methodologies. The study concludes that these states have systematically deployed soft power as a compensatory strategy for their limited hard power, utilizing integrated cultural, media, educational, and developmental tools, albeit with variations according to each state's identity and strategic priorities.

This research examines Iraq's foreign policy towards Saudi Arabia after 2003, in light of the structural transformations witnessed by the Iraqi political system and the accompanying internal and regional challenges. It begins with the premise that this policy, despite the period of estrangement and subsequent rapprochement, has gradually moved towards openness and development. The research employs both descriptive and inductive methodologies to analyze the concept of foreign policy and its political, security, and economic determinants. It reveals that weak institutional performance and the reliance on a quota-based system have contributed to the confusion surrounding foreign policy decision-making. The research also demonstrates that security considerations have been a primary determinant of bilateral relations, while the economic dimension has played an increasingly important role in fostering rapprochement. The research concludes that the future of Iraqi-Saudi relations hinges on consolidating internal stability and building a balanced foreign policy based on shared interests between the two countries.

The competitiveness of seaports plays an important role in their future survival, and it also has a vital role in the economic and political growth of the country, as highly efficient ports reduce transportation costs and facilitate import and export operations. Al Faw Grand Port, with its geographical location, can become an important link in international trade between the East and the West. However, there are many variables that largely determine the future of this importance.
In light of the search for opportunities that increase the diversification of the Iraqi economy, which is described as one-sided economy, this study comes to shed the light on the important developmental role that ports can play in correcting the economic track and its current and future political relations. The study seeks to present the economic and strategic gains that Al Faw Grand Port could achieve if it were built according to the required specifications by employing the technological capabilities available that comply with the modern developments that have occurred in global ports, in addition to completing the Development Road Project (Dry Canal) affiliated with the port.

This study examines the nature of commercial exchange between Muslims and Jews in Medina during the early years of the Hijra, as one of the significant economic and social aspects of the formative period of the Islamic community. Markets and commercial activities constituted a vital sphere of daily interaction among the various components of Medinan society, including the Jewish tribes who possessed prior economic and commercial experience.
The research aims to analyze the frameworks and patterns of this commercial exchange, as well as the regulations governing it in light of the Constitution of Medina and the practical policies established by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It also explores the impact of emerging Islamic values in regulating economic relations based on justice, contractual integrity, and the prohibition of exploitation and monopoly. Furthermore, the study addresses the Islamic perspective on commercial dealings with non-Muslims and its implications for economic and social stability in early Medinan society.
The research adopts a historical-analytical approach, relying on early Islamic sources to provide a balanced scholarly interpretation that highlights the economic dimension of Muslim-Jewish relations, free from ideological bias or preconceived judgments.

The study examines the structural transformation of local administration in Iraq after 2003, which was characterized by the adoption of the decentralized administrative system through the establishment of provincial councils as elected bodies responsible for managing local affairs. These councils have undergone multiple stages marked by the influence of political and partisan forces on their performance and outcomes. In this context, the study aims to clarify the constitutional and legal foundations governing the elections of provincial councils and their implications for the nature of local political representation. It also explores the legislative development of electoral laws, particularly the Iraqi Constitution and the Provincial Council Elections Law No. (12) of 2018 and its amendments. Furthermore, the study analyzes the results of the 2023 Baghdad Provincial Council elections in terms of winning political blocs, the factors influencing voting behavior, and the outcomes produced at the level of local representation within the Baghdad Provincial Council.

Strategic management is one of the most important fundamental topics in developing the performance of countries and achieving institutional stability, and thus achieving sustainable development, especially in countries facing complex internal and external challenges, such as Iraq, After 2014, Iraq faced a number of challenges that highlighted the urgent need to adopt effective mechanisms to enhance strategic management, which contributes to improving the efficiency of institutional performance, In addition, the political, social, economic, and security transformations that the country witnessed necessitated a review of the planning, implementation, and control methods within government institutions, and the importance of adopting modern mechanisms based on long-term planning, developing institutional capacities, and activating the principle of accountability and oversight, which reduces manifestations of corruption and improves overall performance.

This research examines the American vision of the geostrategic importance of the Middle East, highlighting the mechanisms of US strategic thinking and its internal and external determinants in shaping foreign policy toward this vital region. The study addresses a central problem: How does the American strategic mind balance its historical constants and traditional interests with the imperatives of adapting to a highly fluid and uncertain regional and international environment? To address this problem, the research adopts a dual structure. The first axis discusses the intellectual frameworks governing US policy and its levels of interests (vital, major, and peripheral), tracing the power and influence tools employed by Washington. The second axis is devoted to analyzing the major determinants and contemporary strategic performance from the post-Arab Spring era, while monitoring the impact of escalating great power competition (US-Russia-China). The study concludes that US policy currently inclines toward a "conflict management" strategy rather than conflict resolution, employing increased diplomatic flexibility and reducing reliance on direct military presence through engineering alternative regional alliances and balances. This does not imply a complete strategic withdrawal, but rather a flexible repositioning designed to prevent a geopolitical vacuum.