The purpose of the article is to identify the causes of the emergence of the protest movement in Iraq and its prospects. Methodology and Approach. The author analyses the beginnings and the development of protests using T. R. Gurr’s deprivation theory and up-to-date factual and statistical data. Systemic, comparative and sociological methods are used. Results. The analysis has revealed that deprivation in Iraq is caused by the socioeconomic issues, and the discontent was directed at the political system which is deemed corrupt and ineffective. Practical implication. The author tries to predict the prospects of the protest movement and suggest ways for Iraqi government to resolve the issues.

Iraq, protest, deprivation, corruption, Basra

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