Stability and Change in Iraqi Foreign Policy 1920–2020

November 16, 2022

A Group of Researchers

Following its formation over the past century, modern Iraq has experienced three distinct types of political systems and undergone significant transformations both domestically and internationally. In terms of foreign policy, the key question is: how were the priorities of Iraq’s foreign policy set with each change in its political system? In 1920, following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, Iraq came under the mandate of the United Kingdom. In 1921, the constitutional monarchy was established under British tutelage, and in 1932, Iraq was withdrawn from British guardianship. During this period, maintaining stability and achieving independence were among the most critical components of Iraq’s foreign policy. Subsequently, following three military coups in the 1950s and 1960s, the country’s policy was shaped around establishing a socialist government and Arab unity. However, the pursuit of this goal was hindered by internal repression and external aggression from neighboring countries. In the next period, with the overthrow of the Baath Party government during the American invasion of Iraq in 2003, the political system changed once again. A new set of priorities emerged—ones that shifted away from identity and ideological readings, focusing solely on consolidating concepts of democracy and national interests.