The College of Law at the University of Baghdad held a scientific seminar entitled “The Phenomenon of Corruption Between the Strength of the Social Contract and Weak Trust Between the Citizen and the State.” The seminar was delivered by Assistant Lecturer Israa Abdul-Amir Ahmed on Thursday, February 5, 2026, in the Model Court Hall at the College.
The seminar aimed to shed light on the nature of the relationship between corruption and the social contract in political and legal thought. It also examined the impact of corruption on the level of trust between citizens and the state and its implications for the legitimacy and stability of the political system. In addition, the seminar clarified the role of weak institutions and governance in the spread of corruption and the decline in the effectiveness of the social contract.
The seminar included several main topics, including:
•The conceptual framework of corruption and the social contract
•Definitions and types of corruption
•The concept of the social contract in modern and contemporary political thought
•Interactive academic discussions with participants
The seminar concluded with several key recommendations, including:
•Strengthening the independence of the judiciary and integrity institutions
•Activating the principle of accountability and linking responsibility with answerability
•Adopting e-government systems to reduce bribery and bureaucracy
•Promoting a culture of integrity and legal awareness in society
•Supporting media freedom and strengthening its oversight role
•Diversifying economic resources and reducing dependence on rent-based revenues
•Encouraging citizen participation in decision-making to strengthen trust between the state and society.
