Center for Policy Research (CPR)

Peace and Security and Justice 

In the last over two decades, Iraq and the Middle East have been shaken by conflicts. Foreign intervention, regional and local tensions, instability and problems with regional cooperation wreaked havoc in the Middle East. However social initiatives and economic development have also shown how its inhabitants are working together to bring peace and stability to Iraq that was once a cradle of cultural and intellectual innovation. 

Supported by evidence-based research and our team’s solid foundation on theoretical approaches to peacebuilding, security and social cohesion, we produce a different range of products from analysis briefs on security and risk factors, to policy-oriented reports aiming to help public and private actors to make informed decisions. 

Good Governance and Development 

CPR puts emphasis on institutionalization, accountability and transparency in government sector. As it has been highlighted and debated by researchers as well as by the public, corruption is a chronic disease in Iraq, which paralyzed the social and economic development of the country. CPR investigates the way in which public and welfare services are delivered by the Iraqi government, and to improve its efficiency and accountability. 

Gender, Youth and Power 

CPR examines how gender norms and a rising youth population shape power, participation, and opportunity in Iraq’s civic, economic, and political spheres. We focus on the status and leadership of women and young people, the barriers they face to voice and representation, and the policies that expand equitable access to education, decent work, digital spaces, and social protection. Through research and dialogue, CPR elevates youth and women’s perspectives and co-designs evidence-based pathways to inclusive decision-making and accountable institutions. 

Extremism and Radicalism Studies 

Following ISIL’s defeat, there have been debates about what are the ideological bases for ISIL and where they come from and grow. Militarily, ISIL was defeated, however the effects of the ISIL ideology still remain in the area formerly controlled by them between 2014-2017. This issue, particularly at formal and informal education/training level, needs to be addressed. 

Regional and International Relations 

Situated at the crossroads of the Gulf, the Levant, Anatolia, and Iran, Iraq sits on one of the world’s most consequential geopolitical lines. Its energy endowments, trade and transit corridors, and role in regional security place Baghdad at the center of dialogues on global energy markets, supply-chain connectivity, water diplomacy, and counter-terrorism. Iraq’s balancing diplomacy (engaging Arab states, Turkey, Iran, and international partners) positions it as a pivotal bridge for regional de-escalation, economic integration, and multilateral cooperation. 

Current Research 

• Youth in Iraq: Attitudes, Values, Lifestyle and Activities 

• Public Sector Reform 

• Rule of Law Index in Iraq 

• Social protection reform and strategy 

Facilitate and Conducting Research

In line with its research project/themes, CPR accepts proposals that have high potential to attract funds from external donors. 

Writing Research Proposals and Grants

CPR team looks at the grants, and prepares research grant applications, to support its overall research projects/themes. We welcome collaborations in develop grant proposals. Please contact cpr@auib.edu.iq 

Policy Debate and Briefings (organize roundtables and seminars)

CPR periodically selects topics for debate and discussion. For each topic, relevant experts (academics, officials and practitioners) will be invited either in person or through online video conferences. Policy briefings will be produced and published on a website. 

Conferences

CPR adopts and organizes conferences on topics relevant to its research projects, planned to be held annually, every year in the same month. CPR can host national, regional and international conferences on topics relevant of CPR’s research themes and specializations. 

Collaboration and Networking

CPR is open to collaborate and to partner with academic institutions, local and international organizations, government, NGOs and with the private sector, in pursuit of a mutual interest for the enhancement of research and education. 

Research in Residence, Fellowship and Internship

Research in Residence and an unpaid fellowship for researchers willing to visit Iraq for research purposes are welcome. CPR will provide a residency permit for the period of stay, desk space in a shared office, internet and printing facility, facilitating field research access permission and other research supports. MA and PhD students who are from well-known universities and research centers around the world and are interested in conducting research on the Middle East and Iraq can benefit from this program. In return, the researchers might be asked to be involved as human resources to participate in AUIB’s teaching programs and CPR’s research activities.