The study examines the impact of the philosophy of Iraq’s political elites on the orientations of its foreign policy from the founding of the Iraqi state up to the post-2003 period, It highlights that the composition of the elites, their ideological backgrounds, and their sectarian and ethnic affiliations played a decisive role in shaping foreign policy priorities, which often led to fluctuations and instability in the country’s external performance. After 2003, Iraqi elites sought to direct foreign policy toward independence and balance between regional and international pressures, with a focus on protecting national interests and leveraging geographic location and economic resources to enhance Iraq’s regional and international role. The study emphasizes that the effectiveness of Iraqi foreign policy is closely linked to the elites’ ability to unify visions, utilize available capacities, and prioritize national interest over internal divisions, ensuring the formulation of stable and effective foreign policies that reflect the country’s higher interests.

The research was organized into two main sections, in addition to an introduction and a conclusion that included the most important results. The first section dealt with the concept of the political elite and its types, and the concept and objectives of foreign policy. The second section dealt with the essential foundations of Iraqi foreign policy and the impact of the ruling elite from the monarchy in 1921 until after 2003.