The Kurdish people have sought for independence and self-ruling for centuries. The division of the Kurdish population made it harder for them to unite and form any kind of self-ruling state. In Iraqi Kurdistan the Kurdish population have succeeded better than in other countries. With Dankwart Rustow’s theory (1970) as my theoretical framework, I aim to prevail Iraqi Kurdistan’s transition to democracy. My analysis will focus on factors that have contributed to the structure of democracy in the region. My method is a case study since my interest is to obtain a deeper understanding of how non-recognized states, particularly Iraqi Kurdistan, have been able to form a democracy. In conclusion, Iraqi Kurdistan can be analysed with the help of Ru...