Tribalism and its Political Impact in Anbar Governorate: A Theoretical-Field Study in Light of the 2023 Provincial Council Elections

The study aims to highlight the political impact of tribal dynamics on political life in Iraq, with a focus on Al-Anbar Governorate as a significant case study.This focus stems from the fact that tribal affiliation is the dominant force shaping social identity in that governorate. The study makes a deliberate distinction between tribal affiliation as a form of social identity, and tribalism as a driving force that influences political and social behavior.The study is divided into two main parts:Theoretical – tracing the historical development of tribal influence and its political dimensions since the establishment of the Iraqi state in 1921.Field-based – examining a survey conducted by the researchers on a random sample of voters during the local provincial council elections in Al-Anbar.The study concludes that the tribal factor plays a fundamental role in elections—surpassing even political programs and affiliations. As a result, political entities in the governorate are keen to ensure tribal representation among their candidates, particularly by including influential tribal figures.