19 July، 2025
Master’s Thesis Defense at the College of Political Science, University of Mosul, on the Role of Social and Political Dynamics in the Securitization of Divided Societies
A master’s thesis was defended at the College of Political Science, University of Mosul, on the topic “Social and Political Dynamics and Their Role in the Securitization of Divided Societies: An Analytical Study”, submitted by the student Tuqa Mohammed Adnan, on Thursday, 17 July 2025.
The thesis examined the influence of political dynamics on social dynamics, showing how political forces can stir collective sentiments related to sub-identities, culture, and collective memory. This process contributes to deepening differentiation among societal groups, reinforcing identity boundaries, and intensifying divisions based on ethnic, religious, or identity lines.
The study aimed to analyze social dynamics—such as culture, collective memory, and identity—and their impact on either reinforcing or reducing division. It also explored the role of political dynamics—such as power, political elites, political discourse, and legislation—in the securitization of cultural groups. Furthermore, the thesis sought to understand the mechanisms through which identity-based divisions become perceived security threats in divided societies, and to clarify the dialectical relationship between social and political dynamics in shaping securitization processes within such contexts.
The thesis concluded that both social and political dynamics play a pivotal role in shaping the reality of divided societies, either by deepening societal fractures or by reinforcing a sense of existential threat among different components of the society.
The examination committee consisted of Assistant Professor Dr. Firas Kukis Aziz as chair, Assistant Professor Mohammed Saleh Shateeb as a member, Assistant Professor Dr. Ali Hussein Yaseen as a member, and Professor Dr. Waleed Salem Mohammed as a member and supervisor.
The session was attended by the Dean of the College, Assistant Professor Dr. Sohaib Khalid Jassim Al-Taie, along with several faculty members and a group of postgraduate students.
At the end of the defense, the committee’s decision was read, which included accepting the thesis with the necessary modifications.
