Structural Differentiation as an indicator of political development in the KRI: the role of the two ruling political parties

Abstract

Political development refers to the process of creating and institutionalizing political organizations and procedures, with the effectiveness of an organization largely dependent on the level of support it receives from various segments of society. It is influenced by structural differentiation, the pursuit of equality, and the capacity of a political system to adapt, address, and adjust. Political scientists have varying opinions on indicators of political development, with structural differentiation being one of the most prominent. This article aims to assess the impact of two dominant political parties, namely the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), on Kurdistan's political development, using a survey questionnaire. Investigating that query, a theoretical background on political development and structural differentiation is provided, followed by a methodology section and an analysis of the survey results. The study involved 550 students from ten public universities in the Kurdistan Region, representing a diverse range of socioeconomic backgrounds. The questionnaire was created using Freedom House Index criteria and was distributed to participants in various faculties and universities.