THE ENTREPRENEURIAL STATE: REMAKING QATAR'S FOREIGN RELATIONS APPROACH

Abstract

The entrepreneurial development of Qatar, a small state, is an interesting phenomenon to explore within the concept of international relations. In recent times, there has been the emergence of newly prominent participants in global governance hence raising interest in small states. This thesis aims to examine entrepreneurial power in Qatar as a newly prominent participant in global governance. The examination of Qatar's entrepreneurial development helps gain an understanding of how small states utilize their relatively limited national capabilities to achieve their objectives in foreign relations. The aim of this thesis is to examine the entrepreneurial development of Qatar, particularly how this aspect of development has transformed international relations between the country and the rest of the world. The major areas of focus in this paper are the entrepreneurial individuals and institutions that have facilitated the development of the country's international relations or foreign policy-making as you deem appropriate in global governance. Qatar is an example of an emergent nation that utilizes soft power approaches and relies on its internal capabilities to promote and achieve its foreign policy objectives. Qatar has wielded its monarchical government to adopt a decision-making approach that has improved its foreign policy and, subsequently, its image in the region and the world at large. The country has developed different kinds of institutions, such as Al-Jazeera, the Qatar Fund, the Qatar Foundation, Qatar Airways, and Qatar Charity, to exert influence at the global level. The foreign policy approach taken by Qatar in recent years has been one that is foreign policy conscious and can be credited to transformational leaders at the helm of government and other key positions such as that of the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. The combination of the efforts of these individuals and the growth of entrepreneurial institutions has given Qatar a better standing in the global arena, such that it has become a key player in international matters. The identified institutions and people work together to promote the interests of Qatar outside national borders. Ultimately, this gives the country a better standing in international relations.