Question

large ethnic and religious populations in iraq, 2015 estimates

based on the data in the table, which of the following is a possible impact of ethnic and religious diversity in iraq?

a ethnicity and religion act as centripetal forces in the country by creating a common iraqi identity among the population.

b ethnicity and religion facilitate democratization in the country by motivating participation in elections.

c ethnicity and religion promote economic development in the country by generating national pride in the countrys accomplishments.

d ethnicity and religion lead to devolutionary pressures in the country by politically dividing regions.

e ethnicity and religion increase cultural cohesion in the country by promoting shared political ideology.

Explanation:

Ethnic and religious diversity often leads to different groups having distinct interests. In Iraq, with multiple ethnic (like Arabs, Kurds, Turkmen) and religious (Shia, Sunni) groups, it can cause political divisions. Devolutionary pressures occur when regions or groups within a country demand more autonomy or self - governance. Centripetal forces (A) would unify, but diversity here is more likely to divide. There's no clear link in the data to democracy (B) or economic development (C) from just the diversity. Cultural cohesion (E) is less likely with such diversity as different groups may have different political ideologies.

Answer:

D. Ethnicity and religion lead to devolutionary pressures in the country by politically dividing regions.