‘We want to have a positive impact’: Fragile ecologies and the Iraqi Kurds’ dutiful environmentalism

In this article, we investigate the emergence of modern environmentalism in Kurdistan Region (Iraq), a de facto state which ecological well-being is under serious strain. Social mobilizations Middle East have been depicted as confrontational and opposing authorities. Studies environmental activism region also highlighted conflictual relations between social actors holders power. stress need to expand research scope closely examine other forms actions strategies relation threats climate change. Drawing upon field interviews Iraq, analyze (geo)politics, economic systems change together affect nature, natural resources, landscapes climate, well patterns Kurdish contestation these areas. We term typical practices new phenomenon 'dutiful' form dissent, can be explained by contextualizing activism. It grounded political ecology activists' efforts are directed at building policymaking post-conflict state.