The Development Road Project (DRP): Transforming the Nature of Türkiye-Iraq Relations

This paper examines why Ankara and Baghdad have committed to the Development Road Project (DRP), a long-term regional connectivity initiative, despite a history of strained bilateral relations since 2003. It argues that both countries are motivated by the prospect of significant material benefits, namely economic growth, job creation, revenue generation, and improved connectivity. To answer the primary question of why Ankara and Baghdad decided to pursue this strategic project together, the paper suggests that the DRP’s economic promise outweighs longstanding political tensions. The secondary question of how these benefits will shape bilateral relations is addressed through the lens of theories of interdependence, regionalism, and connectivity, which together explain how the DRP could transform Turkish-Iraqi interactions from a state of discord to one of strategic partnership. By connecting Basra to Europe through Türkiye via new railways and motorways, the DRP could foster deeper interdependence, address mutual security concerns, and promote regional stability. Moreover, the involvement of Gulf states such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar underscores the project’s potential to attract diverse stakeholders, thereby enhancing its strategic value. Ultimately, the paper argues that the DRP could lay the foundations for sustainable cooperation, economic development, and stability in the wider Middle East, overcoming historical tensions and establishing a lasting partnership between Türkiye and Iraq.