Geopolitical Analysis of the Development Road Project and its impact on Iraq’s Economic Power

Abstract

The study aimed to reveal the geo-economic reality of Iraq by evaluating the role of the Development Road in enhancing Iraq’s economic power in order to expand its regional influence through transforming Iraqi geography into an economic and geopolitical hub. The study emphasized the impact of the Development Road in reducing Iraq’s dependence on oil revenues and building a non-rentier economic system, particularly since the project includes agricultural, industrial, and service projects, as well as advanced infrastructure. The study recommends the necessity of unifying the position of the ruling political blocs in Iraq by resolving their differences in order to adopt a unified strategic vision for development projects that would advance the Iraqi economy, especially the Development Road project, as it constitutes a fundamental pillar and a strategic necessity for a sustainable Iraqi economy and complements the Belt and Road Initiative. The success of such a massive project requires broad regional and international acceptance and support. This, in turn, requires Iraqi diplomacy to present it as a transcontinental commercial project, separate from regional political disputes, and to provide a stable internal security environment to ensure the continued support and financing of strategic partners such as United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Turkey.