Regional Studies Center / Continuing Education Unit, in cooperation with the Studies and Planning Department / Sustainable Development Unit at the University Presidency, held a seminar on Sunday, 18 February 2026, titled “Digitizing Conflict within the Framework of Iraq and Its Regional Environment”.

During the seminar, Assist. Prof. Dr. Tareq Mohammad Tayeb Dhahir presented a research paper highlighting the profound transformations brought about by digital technology in the nature of contemporary conflicts, whether in terms of actors, tools, or arenas of confrontation.

The session examined how digital spaces have evolved into a parallel battleground to traditional conflicts, through the deployment of cyberattacks, information warfare, artificial intelligence, and social media platforms to influence public opinion, shape narratives, and direct collective behavior, thereby reshaping the balance of power in Iraq’s surrounding regional environment.

The seminar also addressed the implications of this transformation for Iraq’s national security, particularly within a complex regional landscape where security, political, and economic dimensions intersect. It emphasized the necessity of developing comprehensive national cybersecurity strategies and promoting digital literacy across society to safeguard the state and community against the risks of misinformation and digital extremism.

Discussions further underscored that the digitization of conflict represents not only a security challenge but is also closely linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

Goal 4: Quality Education, by integrating digital literacy and cybersecurity into educational curricula.

Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, through strengthening and securing national digital infrastructure.

Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, by reinforcing the rule of law in cyberspace and building institutions capable of managing cyber risks.

Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by fostering regional and international cooperation in expertise exchange and capacity-building in digital security.

The seminar concluded by emphasizing the critical role of academic and research institutions in anticipating shifts in digital conflict and formulating evidence-based approaches that support decision-makers, contributing to a more stable and secure regional environment amid rapid digital transformation.

This seminar forms part of a series of scientific activities organized by the Regional Studies Center in support of its research mission to analyze strategic transformations in the region and link them to the national sustainable development agenda.