Peaceful Coexistence and Its Contribution to Achieving Societal Security: Iraq as a Case Study After

This study examines the concept of peaceful coexistence and its role in enhancing societal security, taking Iraq after 2003 as a case study, in light of the profound political and security transformations that have directly affected the structure and cohesion of Iraqi society. The research is grounded in a central problem concerning the extent to which the mechanisms of peaceful coexistence adopted in the Iraqi context have contributed to achieving sustainable societal security, particularly amid the rise of sub-national identities and the erosion of inclusive citizenship. The study aims to analyze the conceptual frameworks of peaceful coexistence and societal security, diagnose their reality in Iraq after 2003, and reveal the interactive relationship between them, while also identifying the main structural challenges hindering the consolidation of coexistence and the strengthening of societal security. To achieve these objectives, the research adopts a descriptive–analytical approach, relying on the analysis of relevant theoretical literature, an examination of Iraq’s political and social realities, and linking theoretical insights with practical developments. The study is structured around three main sections. The first addresses the concept of peaceful coexistence and its reality in Iraq. The second discusses the concept of societal security, its foundations, and the challenges it has faced since 2003. The third section analyzes the role of peaceful coexistence in promoting societal security, by tracing the stages Iraq has experienced, particularly the period of sectarian violence, the rise of terrorist organizations, and subsequent attempts to rebuild coexistence after the defeat of ISIS terrorist organization. The study concludes that the fragility of peaceful coexistence has directly contributed to the erosion of societal security, and that the absence of the rule of law, the entrenchment of sectarian power-sharing, and widespread corruption have all undermined efforts to build a cohesive society. It also finds that strengthening citizenship, tolerance, dialogue, and restoring the concept of an inclusive state constitute essential conditions for rebuilding peaceful coexistence and achieving long-term societal security in Iraq.