Challenges for Establishing Inclusive Democracy in Iraq

This report considers the potential risk posed by inter-ethnic and inter-confessional conflict and the action necessary to try and avoid it. On the one hand, Iraq has a recent history of systematic discrimination and violent repression targeted at particular ethnic and religious groups; on the other, it has traditionally been a relatively well-integrated society. The report examines the specific challenges for establishing a multi-ethnic, multi-confessional democracy in Iraq; the social and political aspects of managing post-totalitarian transition; and options for a constitution-building process, drawing on the experience of other states in transition.