Cybersecurity and Its Impact on Political Stability in Iraq After 2003: (An Analytical Study)

Abstract

Iraq is witnessing fundamental transformations in its security and political structures, particularly after 2003, with cybersecurity emerging as a vital component in the equation of political stability. This analytical study aims to explore the relationship between cybersecurity and political stability by examining how cyber threats impact political institutions, electoral systems, and public trust in governments. The study adopts an analytical approach based on tracking major cyber events, such as attacks on critical infrastructure, digital interference in electoral processes, and disinformation campaigns, which have become key tools in both internal and external political conflicts. The findings reveal that weak cybersecurity exacerbates the fragility of political systems and leads to political destabilization by undermining citizens' trust in institutions, fueling internal divisions, and enhancing foreign interference. Strengthening cybersecurity is no longer merely a technical option but a political necessity to ensure state sovereignty and stability in the contemporary international environment. It is considered a cornerstone of national security and requires strengthening the legal framework, enhancing international cooperation, developing human resources, and raising societal awareness to protect the digital space and support political and social stability amid growing challenges.