The work is one of few studying the phenomena of failing states. The work investigates the underlying causes of a potential state failure in Iraq. Research and media reports have actively emphasised and studied the impact of the United States invasion of Iraq in 2003, with little consideration to the historical challenges of Iraq’s nation-building and identity. To understand Iraq’s challenges, the thesis analyses contemporary symptoms of failure in light of deeply rooted issues that have plagued the Iraqi state since its formation by the British mandate. Causal and process-based variables that were present in collapsed states are used to study the modern Iraqi state, linking the results to issues that predated the US invasion of Iraq in 2003. The results showed that the majority of the discussed contemporary threats to the Iraqi state can be traced to unresolved concerns and problems prior to the events of 2003.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Construction of Iraq
Chp. 1 Statehood and State Failure
State Legitimacy
State Fragility and State Failure
Failed States: Conceptual Limitations and Controversies
Failed States Index
Causes of State Failure
Chp. 2 Causes of State Failure: The Case in Iraq
An Inconsistent External Environment
Steep Changes in the Economy
Mobilisation of Identity Groups
Reciprocal Assimilation between Political Elite
Chp. 3 Iraqi Identity and Parallel Centres of Power
The Role of Sub-Identities
Parallel Centres of Power
Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This thesis investigates the underlying causes of potential state failure in Iraq, challenging the mainstream perception that the 2003 US invasion is the primary driver of the country's instability. The research aims to trace contemporary symptoms of state collapse to historical challenges concerning Iraqi nation-building, ethnosectarian identity, and post-colonial governance structures.
- Analysis of state fragility within the framework of modern international relations paradigms.
- Evaluation of historical and structural roots of instability predating the 2003 intervention.
- Examination of the interplay between identity politics, regional rivalries, and internal governance.
- Assessment of the role of non-state actors and parallel power structures in undermining state legitimacy.
Excerpt from the Book
The Construction of Iraq
The Kingdom of Iraq was formed following the uprising against the British mandate of Mesopotamia in 1920 (Dodge, 2006: 3). The new Iraqi state was as fragile as its enforced artificial borders, rejected by its diverse ethnosectarian population, that otherwise rarely entertained similar political views (Kelidar, 1992: 778-779). The birth of the country was associated with two major historical events. First, drawing international borders that would divide previous provinces that constituted Iraq under the Ottoman empire between contemporary Iraq and its neighbours (Pursley, 2015). Second, instating Al-Sherif bin Hussein as the new King of Iraq after being exiled from Syria by the French mandate (Fuertig, 2016: 22).
Drawing international borders without concern for the cultural, ethnic and religious differences between communities in the Middle East resulted from the agreements between the occupying powers post World War 1. The territories were first divided between the British and French occupation forces, known as the Sykes-Picot agreement in 1916, followed by a series of treaties with Turkey and present-day Saudi Arabia in the 1920s (Pursley, 2015). The division of territories for the benefit of the occupying forces resulted in local communities losing territories to other communities, fueling disputes and wars in the years to come.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides an overview of the events following the 2003 US invasion and discusses the initial hypothesis regarding the origins of Iraq's instability.
Chp. 1 Statehood and State Failure: Explores theoretical definitions of statehood, legitimacy, and fragility, and introduces the criteria used to identify failed states.
Chp. 2 Causes of State Failure: The Case in Iraq: Applies identified variables of state failure—external environment, economic changes, group mobilisation, and elite assimilation—to the modern Iraqi context.
Chp. 3 Iraqi Identity and Parallel Centres of Power: Investigates how unresolved identity issues and the emergence of non-state power structures continue to challenge the Iraqi state.
Conclusion: Summarizes the study’s findings, suggesting that contemporary failures are deeply rooted in post-colonial policies rather than solely the 2003 regime change.
Keywords
Iraq, State Failure, State Fragility, Nation-Building, Middle East, British Mandate, Ethnosectarian Conflict, Identity Politics, US Invasion 2003, Political Legitimacy, Rentier Economy, Parallel Centres of Power, Militia, Sovereignty, Governance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this thesis?
The thesis focuses on investigating the underlying causes of state failure in Iraq, specifically questioning whether the 2003 US invasion is the sole reason for the country's persistent instability.
What are the primary themes discussed?
Key themes include the historical impact of the British mandate, the role of ethnosectarian identities, the development of a rentier economy, and the influence of regional powers on internal Iraqi affairs.
What is the main research objective?
The main objective is to determine if Iraq's modern state challenges can be linked to structural issues and unresolved problems that predated the US invasion in 2003.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The research uses the fragile and failed states research paradigm, employing a process-based analysis of four specific variables—external environment, economic shifts, identity mobilization, and elite assimilation—to evaluate the case of Iraq.
What content is covered in the main body?
The main body examines historical state-building, the theoretical framework of state failure, the application of causal variables to Iraq, and the specific dynamics of identity and power in contemporary Iraq.
What keywords best characterize this work?
The work is characterized by terms such as state failure, nation-building, identity politics, Iraq, sovereignty, and post-colonial governance.
How does the author define the role of "parallel centres of power"?
The author argues that parallel power centres, such as militias and tribal networks, erode the state's monopoly on legitimate force, thereby undermining central government authority and legitimacy.
What is the author’s conclusion regarding the 2003 invasion?
The conclusion suggests that while the 2003 invasion was a significant tipping point, it should not be viewed as the sole root cause, as Iraq's instability stems from deeper historical failures in its nation-building project.
- Quote paper
- Amar Al-Rawi (Author), 2022, Iraq Post-2003. Causes and Roots of Potential State Failure, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1481775
