Celebrated by Iraqis for their contribution to the war against the Islamic State, Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Units (PMU), also known as al-Hashd al-Sha'bi, now regard themselves as entitled to co-shaping not only the government decision-making process, but also the very nature of Iraqi statehood. Recognised as a state-sanctioned paramilitary umbrella since November 2016, the PMU has translated its contributions on the frontlines into political leverage. Trading their uniforms for tailored suits, PMU figures contested the May 2018 elections, which brought many of the paramilitary's loyalists into Iraq's parliament. Despite their comparatively poor performance at the ballot box in 2021, those rebranded militants captured lucrative ministerial portfolios and have remained key power brokers. Their continued sway over Iraq's contested state and institutions raises the question of how such a broad array of hybrid auxiliary forces has consolidated its position and reaped the benefits of alliance with the country's ruling elites. To provide an answer, this book examines how the PMU and their affiliates have worked to generate legitimacy within Iraq's political, religious and civic fields. In doing so, the author highlights the agency of state-allied auxiliary forces, which, regardless of domestic or foreign backing, often pursue independent strategies grounded in local interests. In light of the crumbling Axis of Resistance - marked by Hamas October 7 attacks, Assad's downfall in Syria, and the weakening of Iranian allies like Lebanon's Hezbollah - this book shows how even the hardline PMU factions have come to value alignment with a state-sanctioned entity bearing stronger patriotic credentials.