As Iraq enters a new political phase under Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, it faces a defining test: can it strengthen state institutions and advance reform while navigating a rapidly shifting regional order?
The regional war has exposed Iraq’s vulnerabilities. Iran-aligned armed groups have launched attacks from and within Iraq, while US and Israeli strikes on Iraqi territory have renewed questions about sovereignty and the state’s monopoly on the use of force.
At the same time, disruptions to trade and energy markets are placing Iraq’s oil-dependent economy under growing strain, reducing revenues and threatening electricity supplies amid rising living costs and persistent unemployment.
These pressures coincide with intensifying competition between Washington and Tehran for influence in Iraq. As the regional balance of power shifts, Baghdad faces the difficult task of managing relations with both while preserving its stability, sovereignty and room for manoeuvre.
This conference discusses key questions including:
- Can the government advance meaningful reforms, strengthen government institutions, and preserve economic stability? Or will mounting security, economic, and geopolitical challenges further constrain Iraq’s ability to chart an independent course?
- How has the new government fared in its first 100 days in office?
- What steps are needed to diversify Iraq’s economy away from volatile energy markets and respond to growing public demands?
- How can Baghdad navigate rising regional tensions while balancing relations with international actors?
- What role should regional and international partners play in supporting Iraq’s long-term stability and development?
