Tribalism and its Political Impact in Anbar Governorate: A Theoretical-Field Study in Light of the 2023 Provincial Council Elections

Mohammad, Ahmed A

doi:10.37651/aujlps.2025.159853.1515

	Tribalism and its Political Impact in Anbar Governorate: A Theoretical-Field Study in Light of the 2023 Provincial Council Elections
Journal of Anbar University for Law and Political Sciences
Article 1, Volume 15, Issue: 1 part 2, June 2025, Pages 1-38 PDF (1.3 M)
Document Type: Research Paper
DOI: 10.37651/aujlps.2025.159853.1515
Author
Ahmed A Mohammad^*
Anbar University/College of Law and Political Science
Abstract
The study aims to highlight the political impact of tribal dynamics on political life in Iraq, with a focus on Al-Anbar Governorate as a significant case study. This focus stems from the fact that tribal affiliation is the dominant force shaping social identity in that governorate. The study makes a deliberate distinction between tribal affiliation as a form of social identity, and tribalism as a driving force that influences political and social behavior. The study is divided into two main parts: Theoretical – tracing the historical development of tribal influence and its political dimensions since the establishment of the Iraqi state in 1921. Field-based – examining a survey conducted by the researchers on a random sample of voters during the local provincial council elections in Al-Anbar. The study concludes that the tribal factor plays a fundamental role in elections—surpassing even political programs and affiliations. As a result, political entities in the governorate are keen to ensure tribal representation among their candidates, particularly by including influential tribal figures.
Keywords
Tribe; Tribalism; Al-Anbar Governorate; Local Elections; Voter

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