Constructivist Niche Diplomacy

Description

Nicolas Fromm explores norm-based strategies small states can use to distinguish themselves internationally in order to compensate for their lesser geopolitical weight. Using the example of Qatar, the author shows that such strategies might include a sort of norm entrepreneurship which goes beyond the advocacy of universal norms and implies the development of genuinely new norms (‘norm crafting’) in pursuit of regional political influence. To shed light on the stunning rise of Qatar from a background actor to a protagonist in international diplomacy, the case study analyses the distinctive use of norm crafting in the country’s Middle East diplomacy under the reign of Emir Hamad (1995-2013). To unfold the potential of strategic normative innovation, Qatar seems to have imitated the attitudes and attributes of established norm entrepreneurs such as international organizations. Front Matter ....Pages I-XI Why study Qatar and how? An introduction to the topic of this book (Nicolas Fromm)....Pages 1-17 National interest and international norms: A joint theoretical framework (Nicolas Fromm)....Pages 19-55 Case study background: Foreign policymaking under Emir Hamad (Nicolas Fromm)....Pages 57-69 Case study design and methodology (Nicolas Fromm)....Pages 71-90 Application of theory and theorization of observations: Operationalization and the system of categories (Nicolas Fromm)....Pages 91-125 Qatar’s constructivist niche diplomacy: A discussion of the research findings (Nicolas Fromm)....Pages 127-151 Qatar, norm crafting and Qatari norm crafting: Conclusions and outlook (Nicolas Fromm)....Pages 153-163 Back Matter ....Pages 165-235