Constructivist Niche Diplomacy

1. Front Matter

   Pages I-XI

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2. Why study Qatar and how? An introduction to the topic of this book

   • Nicolas Fromm

   Pages 1-17

3. National interest and international norms: A joint theoretical framework

   • Nicolas Fromm

   Pages 19-55

4. Case study background: Foreign policymaking under Emir Hamad

   • Nicolas Fromm

   Pages 57-69

5. Case study design and methodology

   • Nicolas Fromm

   Pages 71-90

6. Application of theory and theorization of observations: Operationalization and the system of categories

   • Nicolas Fromm

   Pages 91-125

7. Qatar’s constructivist niche diplomacy: A discussion of the research findings

   • Nicolas Fromm

   Pages 127-151

8. Qatar, norm crafting and Qatari norm crafting: Conclusions and outlook

   • Nicolas Fromm

   Pages 153-163

9. Back Matter

   Pages 165-235

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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.

• International Relations Theory
• Small and Medium-sized States
• Norm Entrepreneurship
• International Norms
• Middle East
• Arab Gulf States
• Qatar
• Niche Diplomacy
• Emir Hamad
• Advocacy of universal norms
• area studies

• Fakultät für Wirtschafts- und Sozialwissenschaften Institut für Internationale Politik, Helmut Schmidt Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany

  Nicolas Fromm

Dr. Nicolas Fromm is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute of International Politics at Helmut Schmidt University in Hamburg. 

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