Obedience to sheiks and its connection to peace and conflict

What is it about?

Groups impact their members’ behavior, and tribes, as the most critical groups in Iraq, influence members, too. Previous studies have explored those tribes and focused on social identity, conformity, cohesion, support, and punishment. This research focuses on obedience to tribes’ authorities and attempts to shed some light on it. The present study conducted 26 in-depth interviews with male members of local Arab tribes and thematically analyzed them. The findings suggest that sheiks are the most important, influential, and respected people in their tribes. Sheiks make decisions about social and collective aspects of life, and members must follow them. While some tribe members might deviate, others give up money, time, physical labor and would participate in conflict and even sacrifice their lives upon their sheik’s orders. Disobedient members might get punished or even expelled from their tribes. Tribe members were more obedient in the past (compared to today) and are more obedient in tribal environments (e.g., villages or tribal neighborhoods in cities).

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Why is it important?

This study found that while some tribe members might deviate others would participate in conflict upon their sheik’s orders. Understanding the mechanisms by which sheiks influence tribe members’ behavior is essential for effective and efficient policies. Terrorist groups like the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) have used the power of tribes and sheiks in Iraq. Policymakers and practitioners can also use the power of sheiks to advance peace in the region.

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