The Geopolitical Application of the U.S. Dual Containment Policy on Iraq

Dual Containment is one of the strategies adopted by the United States to manage influence and conflict in Iraq, avoiding direct confrontation that would consume human, economic, and military resources. Instead, it relies on crafting policies and implementing strategies aimed at containing emerging powers in the international community in the most efficient and cost-effective manner, while avoiding provocation of major powers. The study focuses on Iraq as a focal point of regional and international conflict and influence, being the most fragile and susceptible to internationally designed strategies, among other objective considerations. The research begins by clarifying the concept of dual containment as a policy aimed at maintaining a balance of power in the region by containing two or more opposing actors (such as Iran and Iraq in the 1990s) or through balanced control over internal and regional conflict trajectories. The study illustrates how the U.S. pursued a gradual policy in containing Iraq, starting with sanctions and economic blockades, followed by direct military occupation (2003). The study also highlights the role of regional states within this framework, identifying Iran as the primary strategic challenge, with the U.S. seeking to contain its influence in Iraq. Additionally, it explores the dimensions of containment at the local, regional, and global levels. The research focuses on the tools of containment, including economic sanctions, financial aid, military alliances and bases, diplomatic intervention, and support for non-state actors. It also examines different types of containment: Hard Containment (through military force and economic blockade), Soft Containment (via diplomacy, sanctions, and media), Dual Containment (targeting two or more powers simultaneously to prevent one from dominating). The study concludes that Iraq has moved beyond traditional dual containment policies but remains entangled in the geopolitical struggle between major powers, suffering from the repercussions of this conflict on its political and economic stability.