Watch the conference in Arabic on Chatham House Youtube
Watch the conference with live audio on Chatham House Youtube
As Iraq approaches a pivotal election in 2025, the country stands at a crossroads – balancing fragile stability with deep-seated governance challenges. The current economic climate shows positive momentum, driven by steady oil revenues, renewed infrastructure development, and expanding regional trade partnerships.
Yet, beneath this progress lie mounting pressures: entrenched political fragmentation, a frustrated and growing youth population, an increasingly volatile regional environment, and escalating vulnerabilities to climate change.
With economic sustainability tied to the volatility of global oil markets and further complicated by uncertain regional and international trajectories, Iraq is striving to diversify its economy, attract foreign investment, and capitalize on its strategic position as a vital trade corridor linking Asia and Europe.
Yet regionally, Iraq remains deeply enmeshed in shifting geopolitical currents. The reconfiguration of the ‘axis of resistance,’ Iran’s recalibrated influence amid its war with Israel, the evolving dynamics of the US–Iran confrontation, and the aftermath of regime change in neighbouring Syria all carry profound implications that shape Iraq’s security landscape, economic prospects, and political future.
Amid these shifting dynamics, Iraq must carefully navigate its relationships with regional powers, and manage and broaden its partnerships with the US and other global powers to safeguard its stability and foster sustainable growth, all while undertaking critical domestic reforms to address governance shortcomings.
The conference explores key questions including:
- How can Iraq foster long-term stability in an era marked by regional and global uncertainty?
- What measures are essential to build a more resilient and inclusive economy that prioritises societal well-being?
- What roles should regional and international actors play in these efforts?
This event features an exhibition of Iraqi artwork which forms part of a collaborative research project titled ‘Ruins, Rubble, and Renewal: Exploring Iraq’s Mesopotamian Past through Contemporary Art’. The exhibition is curated by the project’s founder and principal investigator, Hanaa Malallah.
Simultaneous English-to-Arabic interpretation will be available for all conference sessions, in person and online. A reception follows the conference.
By registering for this event, attendees agree to our Code of Conduct, ensuring a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming space for diverse perspectives and debate.
