ORCID

0009-0008-1526-0290 (Hamanoori)

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2026

DOI

10.65826/IJPIR.1.3.2026.56

Publication Title

International Journal of Politics and International Relations

Volume

1

Issue

3

Pages

177-195

Abstract

Iraq’s dependence on transboundary water resources is an important but underexamined dimension of ‎its domestic governance challenges. As a downstream state in the Tigris-Euphrates basin, Iraq relies ‎substantially on flows originating beyond its borders. This article examines how transboundary water ‎dependence can pressure state legitimacy in Iraq. Using a theory-guided qualitative case-study ‎approach, it draws on academic scholarship, institutional data, policy documents, and public-opinion ‎evidence. The analysis integrates hydro-hegemony, asymmetrical interdependence, environmental ‎security, and performance-based legitimacy. It finds that upstream water asymmetry does not ‎independently determine legitimacy outcomes. Rather, it interacts with domestic institutional ‎fragmentation, weak infrastructure, water pollution, salinity, climate stress, and uneven public-service ‎delivery. These combined pressures can constrain the state’s capacity to protect livelihoods and provide ‎reliable water services, especially in southern Iraq, where water crises have become focal points of ‎public dissatisfaction. The article concludes that transboundary water dependence operates as a threat ‎multiplier, heightening the political consequences of existing governance weaknesses. It recommends ‎stronger transboundary cooperation, institutional coordination, and transparent water-service delivery ‎to strengthen state capacity and public trust.

Rights

© 2026 Nawras Hamanoori

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License.

Original Publication Citation

Hama Noori, N. (2026). Transboundary water dependence and state legitimacy in Iraq: ‎Assessing the political consequences of Iraq’s vulnerability to upstream ‎water control by Türkiye. International Journal of Politics and International Relations, 1(3), 177-195. https://doi.org/10.65826/IJPIR.1.3.2026.56

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