The College of Political Science at the University of Baghdad discussed the Master’s thesis entitled “Preventive Conflict Management and the Establishment of Early Warning Systems in Iraq After 2003: A Model”. The research was conducted by student “Balsam Jalal Ismaeil”.
The thesis explored the interpretation of conflict concepts, highlighted various indicators contributing to conflicts in general, specifically in Iraq, and emphasized the preventive measures’ contribution in mitigating the long-term consequences of conflict. As the Cold War concluded and a new international system emerged, multiple forms of rapid and impactful conflicts surfaced, widening the scope of internal conflicts and broadening their impact both domestically and internationally. Consequently, national and global awareness increased regarding the dangers of widespread conflicts due to the destruction they brought upon societies and affected nations on all levels—humanitarian and material.
In a country like Iraq, subjected to numerous conflicts on internal and external fronts due to repetitive and intertwined reasons, leading to loss of lives and deep-rooted crises, it became imperative to adopt deterrent and preventive strategies to curtail or at least minimize their far-reaching and enduring impacts. Thus, this study investigated the absence of specific conflict deterrence and prevention methods in Iraq, such as an established system like early warning mechanisms, to prevent or at least prepare for these conflicts and prevent the accumulation of future crises that hinder the country’s progress, sustainable development, and peace-building endeavors.
The study delved into essential points illustrating how preventive measures contribute to addressing conflicts and crises, as well as how to adopt an Early Warning System in Iraq. It examined the real-world application of this system and the challenges it faces. Additionally, it presented a proposed model representing the realization of preventive conflict management and crisis prevention in Iraq.
Upon the conclusion of the discussion, the researcher was awarded a Master’s degree with “Distinction,” wishing all our dear students success and prosperity.
