The Role of Educating Culture in Enhancing Iraqi National identity

Abstract

This study aims to examine the role of political culture education in shaping and strengthening Iraqi national identity. It is based on the assumption that the limited democratic cultural role represents one of the major obstacles to consolidating national identity in Iraq. The study discusses the concept of political culture as a system of knowledge, values, and attitudes related to the political system and presents its main patterns: traditional culture, subject culture, and participant culture. The study argues that participant political culture, which is founded on citizenship, political participation, respect for diversity, and the rule of law, is the most effective approach for building an inclusive national identity. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of incorporating political culture as an academic subject within Iraqi educational institutions to promote the values of citizenship, democracy, participation, and national belonging while overcoming sub-national divisions. The study concludes that strengthening Iraqi national identity requires the dissemination of a democratic political culture that contributes to building a state based on institutions and the rule of law and supports democratic transformation and political stability