"The opening of Iraqs Bath Party archives revolutionized the study of Iraqi politics and history, offering scholars unprecedented access to the inner workings of one of the worlds most impenetrable autocracies. This volume brings together leading scholars to take stock of what we have learned from over a decade of research using the Bathist archives, contributing to a new understanding of Iraqs history, with wider implications for understanding authoritarianism in general. The contributors show how research in these unique archives challenges previous assumptions about Bathist Iraq and the workings of authoritarian regimes. Their chapters provide fresh insights into how Saddam Husseins regime functioned both at the elite level and through everyday bureaucratic practices, shedding light on state power, social relations, and international politics of the Middle East. The volume also critically reflects on the ethical questions posed by the archives, including their origins, the impact of their removal from Iraq, and access barriers for local scholars. Rich in empirical detail yet framed by cutting-edge theoretical questions, this book demonstrates how the Iraqi archives have reshaped debates about authoritarianism, governance, repression, and state-society relations well beyond the Iraqi case"-- Provided by publisher.