Abstract: This research is dedicated to examination of the relationship between the Kurdish Autonomous Region of Iraq and the central government in Baghdad. The article provides a brief overview of the history of acquisition of autonomy by the Kurds as an Iraqi region in the end of the XX century; as well as describes the ongoing contradictions from the perspective of law (the Constitution of Iraq of 2005). The novelty of this research is defined by the use of foreign sources. The theoretical framework for the case under review is the so-called “paradox of federalism”, which suggests the pursuit of the autonomous regions of extensive autonomy. The conclusion is made that on the one hand, the leadership of the Kurdish Autonomous Region does not give up its ambitions to acquire full autonomy; first and foremost, this is reflected in holding the independence referendum on 25 September 2017; the conflict between the leadership of the Kurdish Autonomous Region of Iraq and Baghdad on the issue of the conclusion of contracts with foreign companies for the production of hydrocarbons, can be regarded as another testimony. However, on the other hand, in conducting an independent policy, Kurdish leadership faces insurmountable resistance from the central government and international community, who refused to recognize the results of the referendum. Baghdad still has the tools for controlling economy of the autonomy.

Abstract: This article is dedicated to examination of mass protests that unfolded in Iraq since the second half of 2019 until the beginning of 2020 and involved even northern part of the country (with prevailing Kurdish population). The core demand of protesters in the Arab part of the country consisted in amendment of the existing administrative system (“Muhasasa"), which issued quotas for the representatives of ethnic and religious groups of the country (Shiite and Sunni Arabs, and Kurds). Separate protests were also recorded in the Iraqi Kurdistan. The novelty of this research consists in examination of Iraqi protests at the present state, as well as from the perspective of relations between the central government of Iraq and Kurdish Autonomy. The conclusion is made that the key factor of protests consists in dissatisfaction of population with the quality of rendered services, low effectiveness of government apparatus, and high level of corruption. Although there is no direct correlation between protests in northern and southern parts of the country, the very fact of disturbances among the Kurds testifies to the existence social tension in northern Iraq. Theoretically, neglecting the demands of Arab population may lead to the proliferation of protests across the country.