Life expectancy at birth under instability and violence: Iraq, a case study

Abstract

Life expectancy is considered an important indicator for measuring citizens' well-being, healthcare, and other services. This indicator is influenced by a range of variables, including economic, social, and political factors. The impact of these variables varies from country to country and from one period to another. For Iraq, which has experienced periods of crisis, political factors and related issues may influence life expectancy. Therefore, this research aims to measure the impact of political stability and the absence of violence, along with several other independent variables, on life expectancy from birth. The research relies on secondary data published by the World Bank. To measure this impact, the research employs the ARDL model using EViews 12 software. The research yielded several findings, including a significant positive impact of political stability, the absence of violence, and government efficiency on life expectancy, and a negative impact of military personnel and unemployment. The research suggests unifying political and social efforts to end external and internal conflicts and directing efforts toward the agricultural sector to produce healthy food for citizens.