Iraq Initiative

A fieldwork-based policy initiative that rethinks the nature of state-building and governance in Iraq.

The Iraq Initiative tackles the root causes of state failure to challenge assumptions held in Western capitals about stabilization and peacebuilding and reach a more nuanced approach to navigating Iraq’s complex and interlinked political, security, and economic environment.  

The work is based on original analysis and close engagement with a network of researchers and institutions inside Iraq. At the local level, it maps key political, business, military, tribal, clerical, and civil society figures across Iraq. At the national level, it explores the struggle over the state.  

Field-based insights are used to inform international policy towards Iraq. Chatham House convenes Iraq Initiative activities in the Middle East, the UK, the US and Europe.  

The Iraq Initiative is supported by Crescent Petroleum and the Al Swaidi Family and its director is Renad Mansour

Watch highlights from the Iraq Initiative conference 2024 as speakers analyse developments in Iraq’s politics, economy, environment and society, and share insights into what the future might look like.