The Impact of the Demographic Composition on the Political System’s Stability: Iraq as a Case Study

Abstract

Objectives: The study highlights the mutual impact of demographic variation and political stability using Iraq as a case study due to its ethnic and religious diversity. Hence, it examines how sectarian diversity in Iraq affects stability and political integration.

Methods: The analytical approach is used to investigate the nature and shape of the political system and its institutions. The study analyses the societal nature of the state and whether diversity is a positive element that results in stability. Therefore, it attempts to show how the regime’s institutions deal with this diversity, and whether they were able to harmonize the demographic differences and use them in favor of the political system.

Results: The study reveals that there is a strong connection between demographic variation and political stability. It demonstrates that the demographic variation in Iraq led to political instability because of the state’s inability to unit all minorities. It also intercepted the potential establishment of a central government which is capable of dealing with external and internal threats. Moreover, it negatively influenced social cohesion in Iraq.

Conclusion: The study concludes that the demographic variation in Iraq and other developing countries has a negative impact on the political stability of the region as it leads to sectarianism. Hence, it recommends that decision makers in sectarian countries should try to help sectarian identities integrate into a collective national identity.