Introduction
The UAE is both an economic and political leader in the Middle East region, mainly due to its exceptionality in international relations. In particular, the Emirates has a unique nation structure that allows them to integrate traditional and modern aspects to build a strong international brand. Additionally, the UAE is using global cooperation to address the existing risks that arise from the integration of numerous international businesses and different cultures. This diplomatic course allows the Emirates not only to develop national institutions and attract investors but also to improve the entire Middle East region due to its geopolitical positioning.
UEA International Relations Exceptionality
A unique diplomatic course was developed by the UAE after gaining independence. A significant role in this process was played by a significant difference in the perception of the world from the Western model (Guéraiche, 2019). Concentric circles, which include other states that are united by the emirates, have become the basis for building the UAE federation. Interaction includes the emirates themselves, the Arab states, the Muslim states of the Persian Gulf, as well as other states of the world (Guéraiche, 2019). Thus, the UAE’s foreign policy relations are based precisely on this structure, although economic and security issues are mainly resolved, taking into account the closest neighbors. At the same time, the structure of the state ensures political stability by granting significant autonomy to the emirates (Antwi-Boateng and Binhuwaidin, 2017). This system allows not only to make more flexible and quick decisions but also to strengthen the bond between citizens and rulers.
Nation branding plays a significant role in the economic development of the federation, as well as in shaping the new diplomacy. The UAE sees itself as the heir to the traditions of the Middle East, but at the same time, operates with modern commercial tools to attract investment (Guéraiche, 2019). In particular, since the 1980s, the development of Dubai as a commercial and tourist center, which would be associated with the UAE, began. Combined with a nation-building strategy, “the promotion of one benefited the other, developing mutual promotion” (Guéraiche, 2019, p. 102). The diversification of the economy allowed the federation not to rely solely on oil production, as in other Arab countries (Antwi-Boateng and Binhuwaidin, 2017). Due to the development of other economic areas, AEO is now a “major leader in tourism, green energy, and aviation” (Antwi-Boateng and Binhuwaidin, 2017, p. 533). Thus, the Emirates has used a mixture of traditional values and modern commercial tools to quickly build a reputation and attract investors.
The peculiarities of UAE diplomacy, and in particular integration at the economic, political, and social levels, lead to increased risks. In particular, the federation is making efforts to combat such phenomena as money laundering or terrorist financing networks in cooperation with international organizations (Combating terrorism and extremism, n.d). Ideological extremism is also a threat to the UAE, as the country is home to a large number of expatriates and religious minorities. The federation needs to pay special attention to the development of tolerance and openness for the integration of all represented cultures and religious beliefs that are represented in the territory of the Emirates (Combating terrorism and extremism, n.d). Additionally, experts note that “cyber-security breaches in the region pose a genuine risk to critical sectors as cyber criminals harness new technologies to launch sophisticated and targeted attacks” (Sanderson, 2019, para. 8). Cyberattacks pose a serious threat to local and international businesses on the territory of the state. Currently, the UAE is actively working together with both the countries of the Middle East and the world communities to address existing threats.
The Emirates is actively involved in the globalization network, in particular, due to its efforts to modernize the systems of defense against cyberattacks in the Middle East. This geopolitical positioning of the UAE as the leader of the region is extremely beneficial for the state and allows it to cooperate with international organizations and initiatives. In particular, the Federation participates in the development of the international humanitarian city, within which Dubai is the world’s largest logistics center (Federal Competitivness and Statistics Authority, 2017). This activity allows the UAE not only to attract investment but also to participate in the global humanitarian agenda, which is also an advantage for the entire region.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the UAE pays particular attention to improving the quality of national health care through significant investment. It is important that the Emirates rely on the experience of other states to develop an optimal strategy (Moonesar et al., 2020). In particular, the recommendations of international organizations are utilized, and the work is conducted at national, community, and healthcare facility levels (Moonesar et al., 2020). Thus, the UAE participates actively in global processes, using international cooperation to develop the entire Middle East region.
Conclusion
Active international integration and cooperation allow the UAE to develop economically, politically, effectively, and socially. The structure of the state provides sufficient autonomy within the Emirates and strong ties between other countries in the Middle East. Unique nation-building provides flexibility in internal governance and influence on regional affairs. Additionally, the branding of Dubai as a commercial and tourist destination attracts investment throughout the UAE. The focus of the Emirates on global integration and international cooperation also allows for addressing the main threats, as well as the development of both national and international projects. All this makes the UAE the leader of the Middle East region, which is actively developing not only the Emirates but also other Arab countries.
Reference List
Antwi-Boateng, O. and Binhuwaidin, M. (2017) ‘Beyond rentierism: the United Arab Emirates’ exceptionalism in a turbulent region,’Contemporary Arab Affairs, 10(4), pp. 522-536. Web.
Combating terrorism and extremism (n.d) Web.
Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (2017) ‘Policy in action: international humanitarian city: the competitiveness of compassion,’ Fast-Forwarding the Nation, 10, pp. 1-31.
Guéraiche, W. (2019) ‘Emirati diplomacy: a non-western perspective,’The Journal of Political Science, 22(2), pp. 98-114. Web.
Moonesar et al. (2020) Rapid response: Informing United Arab Emirates’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Globa Initiatives. Web.
Sanderson, D. (2019) UAE cyber experts unite to warn against an unprecedented criminal threat. Web.