Unequal battles uphill: regenerative strategies of post-conflict Iraqi regions

Infrastructural and economic reconstruction of a country following a geopolitical conflict requires a balanced policy strategy. This will be illustrated here for the case of Iraq. The long-range post-conflict recovery of this country needs a strategic, evidence-based approach to optimize regional resource allocation and to speed up regional regeneration. This study employs a qualitative type of Input-Output Analysis and a Multicriteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) to assess disparities in infrastructure, governance, and economic resilience among regions, providing an analytical and data-driven framework for prioritizing regional investment strategies. By ranking regions based on their recovery capacity, the study aims to provide a targeted strategy for stabilizing Iraq’s space economy and strengthening its governance institutions. Our empirical findings stress the critical need for long-term investments, balancing immediate stabilization with long-term economic transformation. However, governance fragmentation, corruption, and weak institutional frameworks remain significant barriers to resilience, limiting the effectiveness of investments and hindering sustainable economic recovery. Addressing these structural issues – through governance reforms, institutional capacity building, and transparent resource allocation – is essential for the long-term economic resilience of regions in Iraq. If implemented effectively, this strategy can advance Iraq’s space economy from post-war uncertainty to sustained stability and growth.