Cultural policymaking in complex and pluralistic environments, such as post-2003 Iraq, requires a transition from traditional state-centric models to modern, society-oriented approaches. Aiming to diagnose and enhance the cultural diplomacy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, this study evaluates the “people-centered model” in the cultural interactions between the two countries. The theoretical framework of the research is grounded in Pierre Bourdieu’s sociology, utilizing the key concepts of “habitus,” “field,” and “forms of capital.” The main hypothesis posits that sustaining and deepening Iran’s cultural presence in Iraq is feasible not through direct bureaucratic interventions, but by aligning with indigenous habitus and activating shared symbolic capitals (such as Shiite rituals and tribal bonds).



The research employs a qualitative methodology, utilizing documentary and thematic analysis. The findings indicate that in areas where there is “habitus alignment” between Iranian and Iraqi actors (e.g., the Arba’een pilgrimage), the people-centered model has successfully generated “symbolic capital” and mutual trust. Conversely, in areas governed by the rules of the modern cultural field (e.g., media and arts), the predominance of a hardware-oriented and state-centric perspective has hindered the conversion of economic capital into legitimate cultural capital. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that actions disregarding Iraqi national sensitivities are perceived as “symbolic violence,” thereby triggering resistance within the field. The research concludes by recommending a shift from a “project-based, state-centric approach” to a “process-oriented, networked approach,” emphasizing the empowerment of local Iraqi cultural intermediaries.



Keywords: People-centered model, Cultural policymaking, Bourdieu’s theory, Habitus, Public diplomacy.