Political actors' education and experience and their influence on crisis decision making and media management in Iraq

This study examines how the educational qualifications and professional experiences of Iraqi political actors influence crisis decision-making and media management. Grounded in Human Capital Theory, it explores how education and experience shape leaders’ competence in governance and communication during crises. Iraq’s transition to a multiparty democracy, alongside persistent challenges such as political instability, corruption, and the COVID-19 pandemic, has exposed weaknesses in leadership selection and crisis response. Using a qualitative approach, the study employed in-depth interviews with 25 participants, including politicians, civil servants, scholars, and media professionals, supported by document analysis of Iraq’s Amended Election Law (2023) and the Ministry of Higher Education Law. Findings reveal that while recent reforms emphasize educational credentials, they often undervalue practical experience, creating an imbalance between inclusivity and competence. Moreover, political actors’ engagement with social media remains largely top-down, limiting transparency and public trust. The study underscores the significance of aligning education, experience, and digital literacy in leadership development to enhance crisis governance and communication. It contributes to policy reform by recommending at least ten years of relevant experience for ministerial appointments and the integration of digital communication training in public administration. By bridging theory and practice, this research advances the understanding of political communication, leadership qualification, and governance reform in Iraq and similar transitional contexts