๐ Location: Basra, Iraq
๐ Research Focus: Conflict Dynamics, Social Cohesion, and Peacebuilding
โFor peace to be sustainable, it must be shaped by those who live through conflict every day.โ
As part of my ongoing work in peacebuilding and security sector reform, I conducted a comprehensive conflict analysis in Basra, assessing the key drivers of instability, social cohesion challenges, and opportunities for grassroots peace initiatives.
The study โAssessing Conflict Drivers and Peacebuilding Opportunities in Basraโ was designed to bridge the gap between policy and lived realities, offering a data-driven approach to shaping inclusive security strategies and community-led peace efforts.
๐ What This Research Reveals About Conflict & Peacebuilding in Basra
๐ Identity & Social Belonging โ While 67% of respondents identify primarily as โIraqi,โ tribal affiliations remain a strong influence on conflict resolution dynamics.
๐ Security & Governance Trust Gaps โ Despite efforts at institutional reform, 57% of participants cite political instability and unregulated arms circulation as major conflict drivers.
๐ Youth & Women in Peacebuilding โ While 79% see youth engagement as critical, their actual participation remains low due to systemic barriers. Womenโs involvement in peace processes is similarly constrained.
๐ Impact of External Factors โ Regional influences, economic disparities, and environmental crises (such as water scarcity) are seen as core threats to sustainable peace.
๐ From Data to Action: What This Study Means for Policy & Governance
โ Policy Advocacy โ Findings inform localized peacebuilding frameworks aligned with UNSCR 2250 (Youth, Peace & Security) & UNSCR 1325 (Women, Peace & Security) commitments.
โ Community-Led Interventions โ The study highlights grassroots peace initiatives, showing the power of locally driven conflict mediation.
โ Strategic Partnerships โ Civil society and security forces must collaborate on evidence-based peace policies to create lasting impact.
๐ A Data-Driven Roadmap for Sustainable Peacebuilding
This study is a roadmap for action. The findings provide a foundation for designing peace interventions rooted in community perspectives.
