Conceptualizing The Qatari-African Foreign Policy And Economic Relations: The Case Of Soft Power

Abstract

Using a case study approach, this article examines the shifting dimensions of
Qatar’s international relations strategies with select, geo-politically important
African states, including primarily the latter’s private sector and civil society,
and focusing on the current or potential use of soft power in particular. To
start, this article presents a comprehensive overview of soft power, including
its international relations theory-based historical origins; definitional
boundaries; associated tools and mechanisms; and the concept’s pragmatic
problems and limitations. Second, the article offers several best practice case
studies, including the United Kingdom and China, from which core lessons
on soft power development and application can be gleaned. This will advance
from a list of seven key lessons that any prospective soft power state should
consider. Following this, the article engages in an examination of available
evidence outlining Qatar’s attempted soft power action on the African continent
and, particularly in Sudan, Somalia, Mali and Tunisia, arguing that it relies
extensively on “carrotdiplomacy” or the influencing of others backed by
material and financial resource inducements. Finally, five problems and
roadblocks affecting Qatar’s approach to international relations will be
presented, followed by alternative (soft) power-based strategies, which could
be explored by its government and leadership.