PhD Dissertation Defense

PhD Dissertation Defense: Mustafa A. Abd’s thesis “Intelligence and Security Agencies and Foreign Policy Decision-Making: A Comparative Study of Great and Major Powers and Lessons for Iraq” was defended at Al-Nahrain University’s College of Political Science 📚.The committee consisted of:Prof. Salman A. Hussein (Chair)Prof. Abbas S. RafatProf. Safaa H. AliAsst. Prof. Noor A. AjarshAsst. Prof. Mohsen H. ZahirProf. Mohammed K. Kazem (Supervisor)The thesis examined intelligence agencies’ organizational structure and role in foreign policy decision-making, comparing models of great powers. Key findings: intelligence agencies support decision-making with accurate info and strategic estimates; impact varies by political system and institutional level. Lessons for Iraq: develop intelligence system, establish a national security university for training, and adopt AI and cybersecurity programs.