Understanding the Meaning of Political Philosophy in the Kurdistan Region

Philosophy and politics are closely interconnected fields. Philosophy addresses fundamental questions about reality, knowledge, and values, which shape and organize how society should be, how power should be distributed, and how human activities will be guided through justice and morality in their communities.

Political philosophy is a branch of philosophy that explores specific topics such as theories of governance, rights, justice, and the nature of political commitment. 

Moreover, some key areas overlap between politics and philosophy, such as theories of justice. Philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, John Rawls, and Amartya Sen have advanced the concept of justice within society. Notably, John Rawls introduced the notion of justice as fairness, employing the concept of the "veil of ignorance" as an intellectual tool to define principles of justice that are fair to all members of society.

Unfortunately, even today, some individuals lead major parties in Iraq, particularly in the Kurdistan region, without an understanding of political philosophy, as reflected in their poor treatment of the public. From my perspective, politics is an art and a science, not about shouting and using offensive language in public without respecting the values and traditions of the Kurdish community.

This transitional period is critically sensitive for our nation and country. All parties must set aside their differences and pursue prosperity and a bright future for both the current and future generations. Today’s world is one of technology and language; thus, it is essential to realize that today is not 1994—it is 2024, and our mindset must evolve accordingly.

Iraq faces a challenging period due to malicious militias, yet this could be a crucial opportunity for the Kurdish nation to strengthen their stance, correct past mistakes, and focus on how to improve the lives of the people, leaving behind the dark days.

It is essential to focus on the fields of agriculture, industry, and youth empowerment, opening doors for creativity and making the seemingly impossible achievable. 

Philosophy is not just about reading select books that serve those in power by limiting our influence and energy; it is about exchanging ideas on how to make our nation more powerful, influential, and creative—capable of competing with other nations. We have been struggling and sacrificing since the 1930s, with a notable leader in His Excellency Mr. Masoud Barzani, who remains a symbol of the Kurdish nation.

Political philosophy broadens your perspective and mindset through teamwork, cooperation, and placing the right people in the right positions, free from nepotism. It is time for a shift from negativity to positivity for the sake of future generations.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Kurdistan24.