OICC Press Journal of New Trends in English Language Learning (JNTELL) 2821-2290 2 4 2024 10 31 Linguistic Strategies in Post-Conflict Governance: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Iraqi Presidential Speeches EN Inas Malik Mnaathar Department of English, Faculty of Foreign Languages, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran Bahram Hadian Department of English, Faculty of Foreign Languages, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran Hani Kamil Al-Ebadi English Department, College of Education for Humanities, University of Thi-Qar, Iraq Mehdi Vaez-Dalili Department of English, Faculty of Foreign Languages, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran Journal Article 2024 10 31 This study examines the evolution of Iraqi presidential rhetoric in response to shifting politicallandscapes, governance priorities, and societal expectations. Through a critical discourseanalysis of presidential speeches, the research highlights how Iraqi leaders have transitionedfrom an exclusionary nationalist narrative to a more inclusive and pluralistic discourse,aligning with broader global trends in post-conflict state-building. The findings indicate asignificant shift in the rhetorical strategies used to assert political legitimacy, moving fromsecuritization and state rebuilding to democratic consolidation, governance reform, and anticorruption discourse. Additionally, the role of religious references in presidential rhetoric hasevolved from a tool for political unification to a cultural and ethical marker, reflecting Iraq’sefforts to balance its religious heritage with modern governance ideals. This study contributesto the understanding of the strategic use of discourse in post-conflict governance, illustratingthe interplay between rhetoric, legitimacy, and national identity. The implications of thesefindings extend to political leaders, scholars, and media practitioners, offering insights intothe role of language in shaping governance narratives. Future research should explore publicreception of presidential rhetoric and its impact on national identity formation, as well ascomparative analyses across different political institutions and regional contexts.