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Iraq: Can Good Governance Erode Support for Militants?

Date: Wednesday, January 6, 2016 / Time: 8:00am - 9:30am 

Center: Applied Conflict Transformation Center;  Middle East North Africa Center

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Extremist groups like ISIS have seized control in swaths of Iraq and Syria in part because they tout themselves as an alternative to corrupt and inept government at all levels. USIP hosted a discussion on January 6, 2016 highlighting new research by the global humanitarian and development organization Mercy Corps on the connection between citizens’ perceptions of governance and public support for armed opposition.

Good Governance
Pictured from left to right, Sarhang Hamasaeed, Michael Young, Elie Abouaoun, Jacob Shapiro

Panelists explored how good governance may erode the pull of sectarian identity politics, and showcase instances when governance successes have appeared to reduce support for armed opposition and violence. USIP experts discussed the research results in light of what the Institute’s staff and partners on the ground have learned in the course of their conflict mitigation and peacebuilding work. Continue the conversation on Twitter with #GovernanceIraq.

Panelists 

Nancy Lindborg
President, USIP

Dr. Jacob N. Shapiro
Associate Professor of Politics and International Affairs, Princeton University

Michael Young
Senior Advisor, Mercy Corps

Dr. Elie Abouaoun
Director of Middle East Programs, USIP

Sarhang Hamasaeed
Senior Program Officer, USIP

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