The Impact of Informal Institutions in the Absence of Strong Formal State Structure

In assessing a political system, emphasis is often placed on formal state structures and institutions, including multi-party systems, elections, the executive and legislative branches, and judicial bodies. Accordingly, political systems are frequently assessed through the lens of formal institutions. However, in many developing countries in the Middle East, this formal perspective alone fails to capture the full complexity of political dynamics. Informal institutions, which play a crucial role, are often overlooked. In such contexts, regimes, elite decision-making, and citizen behavior are all influenced by informal institutions. Unlike many studies that emphasize formal institutions in the region, this research focuses on the role of informal institutions, specifically examining the influence of “Tribal Houses” in Chamchamal District. The study explores how tribal houses impact governance, with a focus on their effects on political engagement, court decisions, and accountability of officials. Using a questionnaire for data collection, the study aims to assess the influence of tribal houses on these three key pillars of governance in the city.