Managing Social Diversity in Iraq: Constitutional Frameworks, Structural Challenges, and Evaluation of Remedial Mechanisms

Abstract

This research addresses the issue of managing social diversity in Iraq since 2003 within the context of its multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multi-sectarian society. The study focuses on analyzing the constitutional framework established by the 2005 Constitution, which adopted federalism and consensual democracy as mechanisms for managing diversity. The research examines the most prominent challenges this process has faced, including the crisis of national identity, social instability, sectarian tensions, political and economic demands, and the resulting weakness in state building and citizenship promotion. The study also evaluates the effectiveness of these mechanisms, noting that federalism and consensual democracy encountered constitutional and institutional barriers that exacerbated social divisions. Ultimately, the research concludes that the failure to manage diversity in Iraq is not due to the absence of constitutional provisions but rather weak implementation and the dominance of group logic over the state. These issues call for constitutional and institutional reforms that strengthen citizenship and the rule of law, contributing to political stability and civil peace.