Managing Ethnic and Religious Difference in Iraq: A Historical Analysis

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to take this chance for thanking my research facilitator, friends & family for support they provided & their belief in me as well as guidance they provided without which I would have never been able to do this research.

DECLARATION

I, (Your name), would like to declare that all contents included in this thesis/dissertation stand for my individual work without any aid, & this thesis/dissertation has not been submitted for any examination at academic as well as professional level previously. It is also representing my very own views & not essentially which are associated with university.

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ABSTRACT

In this study we will try to research the concept of “Managing Ethnic and Religious Difference in Iraq” by carrying out a historical analysis. The main focus of the research will be to reflect on ethnic and religious conflict in Iraq in the light of various conflict theories their causes and effects, and how these ethnic and religious differences they can be managed strategically. The research will also analyze the effectiveness of ethnic differences on Iraq's stand in international politics and the influence of these differences on their political situation.

Table of Content

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT2

DECLARATION3

ABSTRACT4

CHAPTER 01: INTRODUCTION6

1-1 General Background6

1-2 Addressing Research Questions9

1-3 Research Objectives9

1-4 Research Methodology9

CHAPTER 02: LITERATURE REVIEW11

2-1 Religious and Sect Conflicts11

2-2 The Theoretical Framework of Ethnic Conflict12

2-3 Micro Theories of Conflict13

2-4 Macro Theories of Conflict14

2-5 Enemy System Theory15

2-6 Human Needs Theory16

2-7 Strategies for Managing Ethnic and Religious Differences21

2-8 Conflict Resolution Theory22

2-9 Conflict Resolution: Track Two Diplomacy22

References30

CHAPTER 01: INTRODUCTION

1-1 General Background

The ethnic and religious conflicts have emerged as serious threats to peace in the post cold war era. A large number of conflicts that threaten the world are between groups within a country and not amongst separate countries. In turn, most of these conflicts have their roots in the inability of ethnic, cultural or religious groups to coexist peacefully. Tensions between groups often arise when groups believe that their core interests have been threatened or that their basic right is being ignored or compromised. An analysis of these ethnic and religious conflicts should be considered from internal and international perspectives. This research will explore the historical development of the conflict in Iraq, and evaluate the internal and external dimensions of the conflicts. Moreover, it will discuss national and international means to engage with these problems and suggest ways to solve ethnic and religious differences in Iraq.

It is in this context that the recognition of cultural groups and minority rights become relevant to the resolution of conflicts and the promotion of peace. The promotion of peace in multicultural societies such as Iraq is the central objective of the research. Minorities can display ethnic, religious or linguistic differences from the rest of the population, and their demands are usually for the safeguarding and promotion of their culture, traditions, language or religion. These types of differences are the subject of existing international instruments for minority protection. I will be examining the Iraqi situation of minorities: religious, ethnic and others, after ...