An Analysis and Explanation of Factors Affecting the Dynamic of Regional and Extra-regional Geopolitics of Qatar

From historical view point geopolitical factors have encouraged the politicians to be ambitious. Countries of the world by making use of geopolitical potentials try to maintain stability and promote their status in world affairs. Among the countries of the Persian Gulf region Qatar is one of those countries which in recent regional developments have had geopolitical dynamic and have played prominent role which is beyond its reality of political geography. In today’s structure of pyramid of power hierarchy Qatar is considered as a local power. Despite being a small country with less population and situating between two regional powers, little historical background, territorial disputes with neighbors, hereditary political system and lack of strategic depth has been able to have an active foreign policy in the region and world which is beyond its real position. The present article wants to understand and analyze the reasons behind this active regional and extra-regional foreign policy. In this direction the objectives and strategies of this country are examined. It seems that there are several factors arising from geopolitics, geo-economy and ample financial resources which is responsible for its active foreign policy and the expansion of her influence. These factors are resort to mediation diplomacy, making use of political-economy strategy, media diplomacy, sport activities, religion, détente with neighbors, settling territorial disputes and hosting political and scientific conferences.