On Wednesday, September 9, 2026, the College of Political Science at the University of Baghdad discusses the doctoral dissertation of student Hind Malik Hassan, titled «Political Participation and Its Impact on Measuring the Level of Political Culture in Iraqi Society Post-2003: A Case Study of Martyrs’ Families», at 9:00 AM in Al-Hurriya Hall at the college.
The dissertation aims to examine the reciprocal relationship between political participation and political culture in Iraqi society, particularly post-2003, alongside the accompanying shifts in the nature of citizen interaction with the political system. It further aims to measure the level of political culture among martyrs’ families as an applied model for the study.
The study addresses the subject across four chapters, investigating the development of political participation and political culture in Iraq, as well as the transformations occurring post-2003, with a focus on martyrs’ families and an analysis of their attitudes and concerns regarding public affairs and political institutions.
The study shows that political participation prior to 2003 features limitation and mobilization, whereas participation channels expand post-2003 and a more open political culture emerges, despite persistent weak trust in institutions and varying levels of political awareness. The study also reveals a strong interest among martyrs’ families in public affairs, alongside varying evaluations of institutional performance due to the gap between legislation and implementation.
The dissertation concludes that political culture in Iraq remains in a transitional phase, and that enhancing trust in institutions, enforcing laws, improving economic conditions, and broadening channels for political participation contribute to consolidating active citizenship and supporting future political stability in Iraq.
The defense panel comprises the following scholars:
Professor Dr. Khamis Daham Hamid – University of Baghdad / College of Political Science, Chairman.
Professor Dr. Ammar Saadoon Salman – Al-Mustansiriyah University / College of Political Science, Member.
Associate Professor Dr. Abeer Mohammad Abd – University of Baghdad / College of Political Science, Member.
Associate Professor Dr. Hussein Ali Maktoof – University of Baghdad / College of Political Science, Member.
Associate Professor Dr. Lara Hussein Ali – University of Baghdad / College of Political Science, Member.
Professor Dr. Asaad Taresh Abd Al-Redha – University of Baghdad / College of Political Science, Supervisor.
At the conclusion of the defense, the committee praises the scientific effort invested in preparing the dissertation and emphasizes the importance of its topic in studying the transformations experienced by Iraqi society post-2003. After hearing the researcher and discussing her dissertation, the committee decides to award her a Doctorate in Political Science with a grade of “Very Good.”
