Political Security and the Issue of Sustainability in the Iraqi Security Reality Before 2003

Abstract

The political security in Iraq prior to 2003, with a particular focus on the problem of its lack of sustainability. The former regime was grounded in an authoritarian and totalitarian governing philosophy aimed at preserving political power through an extensive array of security and political instruments, including intelligence services, security apparatuses, party structures, and pervasive societal surveillance. While these mechanisms proved effective in maintaining short-term control over the domestic arena, the absence of sustainable security policies, combined with the social and political marginalization of various societal groups and the lack of engagement with international norms, ultimately undermined the resilience of political security. The consequences of this structural fragility became evident following the collapse of the regime, particularly in relation to social, political, and economic stability.