Internal political conflict and sovereignty of the Iraqi state after 2005

Abstract

The fall of the Ba’ath regime in Iraq, after years of rule, resulting from the invasion by US forces and their allies, provided an opportunity to initiate change and establish an appropriate mechanism for developing a new Iraq and democracy for the new Iraqi society and rulers. The rise to power of the Shiite and Kurdish communities, along with the marginalization of the Sunni community, marked the onset of internal political conflicts post-Saddam Hussein’s regime. It’s crucial to mention the role of ethnicity, which contributed to the weakening of Iraq’s state sovereignty.
The significance of this research lies in its ability to shed light on hidden and lesser-known perspectives regarding the recurring structural and internal conflicts in Iraq. This understanding can help identify and address internal issues and guide a comprehensive national policy. The research hypothesis posits that internal political conflicts among Iraq’s communities are the root cause of its transformation into a failed state, which, in turn, negatively impacts the sovereignty of the Iraqi nation-state.
The research employs a descriptive content analysis method, exploring the cause-and-effect relationship where the independent variable (internal political conflicts) influences the dependent variable (sovereignty of the Iraqi state). Data was collected from scholarly journals, libraries, and the internet, and their evaluation was based on the theory of failed states.
In conclusion, it becomes evident that conflicts between communities contribute to the weakness and inefficiency of national institutions. This weakness prevents these institutions from fulfilling their crucial roles in serving the public interest and upholding the democratic process. Furthermore, it fosters corruption and allows certain factions to wield power above that of the state, ultimately undermining the sovereignty of the Iraqi state post-2005.