The digital transformation of Iraq (1990–2022) and its impact on foreign policy and international relations

this paper offers a comprehensive analysis of Iraq's digital transformation from 1990 to 2022, with a particular emphasis on how this change influenced the country's governance institutions, foreign policy goals, and international positioning. The study follows the evolution of Iraq's digital landscape through three crucial phases: the post-Gulf War isolation of the 1990s, the reconstruction period following the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, and the post-ISIS era, which is marked by renewed ambitions for modernization and global reintegration. The study looks at the evolution of digital infrastructure, such as data hubs like the Silk Route Transit Network, broadband connectivity, and telephony networks. It examines Iraq's national digital government initiatives, such as the establishment of digital identity systems, e-government portals, and payment regulations. Additionally, it assesses Iraq's standing in international indices of digital governance, specifically the UN E-Government Development Index (EGDI) and the E-Participation Index.

digital transformation, e-government, digital diplomacy, foreign policy, information and communication technology (ICT), Internet penetration, governance modernization, international relations