Qatar's Foreign Policy: Strategy versus Geography

The Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies has published Qatar's Foreign Policy: Strategy versus Geography by Marwan Kabalan. The book deals with Qatar's foreign policy, its regional role, and more specifically with the roots of its dispute with Saudi Arabia. This issue has preoccupied the Gulf and Arab region for nearly three decades and the book lies sheds light on an almost unique case in international politics. Qatar is a small country that has overcome its security dilemma by playing major roles in a highly competitive region. The book also monitors the exciting interaction between the structure of the regional and international systems, and the aspirations of the Qatari ruling elite to play an influential role in international politics. It also investigates how Qatar has become a force for change in its regional system, and has managed, with varying degrees of success, to push for profound regional changes. This has put it in a state of confrontation with its powerful neighbours, especially Saudi Arabia, as well as with Iran, Egypt and the Emirates. Although the blockade has served as a potent reminder of the importance of geography, Qatar has once again been able to use effective strategies to bypass it without much cost.