A Collapsing Order in Iraq

West Mosul June 2021 © DesClark Photos

The biggest question now is when the system will collapse completely—and equally important what comes in its wake—should the kleptocracy refuse to redistribute its power and wealth.

Due to the political corruption and state capture of the ruling elite, as well as U.S. policies in the early years of occupation, post-Saddam politica order has failed to produce a polity based on social justice, citizenship and a functioning democracy. The youth-led October uprising of 2019 has shaken the system to its core but is facing daunting challenges in committing the elites to real reforms or changing the regime. The system is decaying but the kleptocracy is resilient. Should the ruling elite refuse to redistribute wealth and power, the political order will collapse completely.