Iraq Initiative

The Iraq Initiative works to strengthen the US-Iraq bilateral relationship by promoting dialogue and debate on strategic economic and security cooperation. The Initiative directly engages policymakers and experts in Washington, Baghdad, and Erbil to provide a platform for discussion, produce insightful policy recommendations for Iraqi and American policymakers, and contribute to concrete outcomes that strengthen the US-Iraq relationship.

Iraq is uniquely positioned to play a major role in shaping the future of the energy sector in the region and globally. The Iraq Initiative brings together key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to provide in-depth analysis of Iraq’s energy landscape —including oil and gas, renewable energy, and the broader global transition.

Iraq’s integration with its neighbors is crucial to strengthening its sovereignty and supporting its economic growth and diversification. Given the country’s growing population and strategic location, Iraq’s stability impacts regional stability. Iraq has the potential to play a significant role in the economic transformation of the region.

The Iraq Initiative highlights Iraqi perspectives from across the political spectrum that bridge the many religious and cultural divides. We explore Iraq’s internal political dynamics, examining topics such as the federal system, Shia politics and the interplay with other political movements, and the relationship between the state and militias. By reflecting Kurdish, Chaldean, Sunni, Shia, and Yezidi voices, the Initiative promotes policies that advance Iraq’s democratic development and protect the rights of Iraq’s minority communities.