UOD, May 13, 2026 | University Press Office (UNPO)

As part of its strategic commitment to advancing academic dialogue, political studies, and critical research on governance systems, the College of Political Sciences, University of Duhok organized a specialized academic seminar titled “Asymmetrical Federalism: Theory and Practice (Belgium, Canada, and Iraq)”, presented by political observer and researcher Mr. Yousif Sabri Hifthullah.

The seminar took place at the Students Center of the University of Duhok and was attended by:

• Dr. Hawar Khalil Taher, Dean of the College of Political Sciences
• Several college deans and academic staff members
• Researchers and students from various departments and disciplines

Exploring Federalism through Comparative International Models

The seminar focused on the concept of asymmetrical federalism through comparative analysis of governance systems in:

• Belgium
• Canada
• Iraq

The presentation examined how federal systems differ according to historical, constitutional, geographic, and social realities, emphasizing the role of federalism in managing diversity and balancing authority between central governments and regional entities.

Historical and Theoretical Foundations of Federalism

During the seminar, Yousif Sabri Hifthullah explained that the roots of federalism extend back to the third and fourth centuries BC, where different governance arrangements resembling confederations and federations emerged in various civilizations. He further highlighted that modern theories of federalism have evolved significantly over the last two centuries through political and philosophical scholarship.

The seminar outlined the three foundational principles of federal systems:

1. Integration (Unity)
2. Autonomy (Self-Governance)
3. Participation (Shared Governance)

The speaker additionally discussed two major dimensions of federal states:

• Geographic Dimension: relating to the number and territorial structure of federal units
• Social Dimension: concerning homogeneous and heterogeneous societies and their political dynamics

Liberal and Realistic Schools of Federalism

The lecture also explored two major schools of thought within federalism studies:

• The Liberal (Legal) School, which focuses on constitutional frameworks and formal legal structures
• The Realistic (Socio-Political) School, which examines political pressures, social dynamics, and practical implementation of federal systems

The discussion highlighted how modern federal systems are shaped not only by constitutional texts but also by political realities, social diversity, and institutional flexibility.

Federalism in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region

The seminar dedicated particular attention to the development of federalism in Iraq, discussing:

• The adoption of the federal system through Resolution No. 22 (Paragraph 2) on October 4, 1992
• The 1974 Basic Law of the Kurdistan Federation
• Political transformations following April 9, 2003, and subsequent developments under international frameworks

The session emphasized the importance of constitutional dialogue, governance reform, and political participation in strengthening stability and coexistence in diverse societies.

Promoting Academic Dialogue and Critical Political Research

At the conclusion of the seminar, an open discussion session was held, during which students and academics exchanged views and questions regarding federal governance models and their practical implications in contemporary states.

In recognition of his contribution, the Dean of the College of Political Sciences presented an appreciation award to Mr. Yousif Sabri Hifthullah.

The seminar reflects UOD’s broader mission to:

• Encourage critical academic discourse
• Connect students with contemporary regional and global political debates

Through such initiatives, the University of Duhok continues to reinforce its role as a center for academic excellence, intellectual dialogue, and research-based policy discussion.

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University Press Office, May 13, 2026
Reported by: Barin Mohammed Ahmed
Photography by: Mohammed A. Tahar

The News Keywords:

University of Duhok political science seminar, asymmetrical federalism Iraq, comparative federalism studies UOD, governance and constitutional studies Kurdistan, political research University of Duhok