Sectarian Polarization and its impact on Societal Security in post-2003 Iraq

Volume 13 , Issue 1 , June 2025 , Pages 301- 339

Authors

Hewa Abdulkhaleq Ahmed 1

1 Department Of Political Systems & Public Policy, College of Political Sciences, Salahaddin University-Erbil

DOI logo 10.17656/jlps.10331

Keywords

Abstract

This study explores the profound impact of sectarianism on the political landscape and social dynamics in Iraq since the 2003 invasion. It argues that sectarian identity has become the primary marker of political competition, resulting in symbolic geography characterized by "blood borders" that exacerbate societal differences. The rise of sectarianism has not only fueled civil violence, resulting in significant loss of life and displacement but has also transformed the concept of citizenship into sectarian subjectivity, blurring the boundaries between public and private spheres, as the study identifies the impact of creating sectarian cantons, which may lead to a fragmented society and increased volatility in Iraq. It emphasizes that national security may overshadow state legitimacy, complicating leaders' ability to maintain control amid rising sectarian tensions. Moreover, economic factors contributing to this crisis, such as oil dependency and inflation, are examined, highlighting how these elements exacerbate societal grievances and fuel civil unrest, and in conclusion, the paper calls for a reassessment of principles within a pluralistic society and suggests the need for practical solutions to address the deep scars of sectarian violence. It assumes that without significant political changes and commitment to mitigating sectarianism, the trajectory of Iraq's statehood and security may lead to disintegration and conflict.

Keywords: Sectarian Polarization - Societal Security - Post-2003 Iraq - Sectarianism - Sectarian Violence

Statistics
  • Article view613
  • Downloads31
  • First online15 June 2025
  • Published at15 June 2025

  • RIS
  • BibTeX
  • EndNote
  • Mendeley
  • APA (7th edition)
  • MLA (9th edition)
  • Chicago
  • Harvard
  • IEEE
  • Vancouver