Small States and the Influence of Area on Political Behavior: A Case Study on Qatar

Abstract

Since the end of the last century, Qatar has emerged as an active state and is now a major player in the Middle East region; its ambition did not stop then, despite its small area and external borders that are not connected by land except with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The research seeks to focus on the most important geographical elements that eased the small size problem of Qatar on its influential regional role, especially after 2003. The study begins with addressing Qatar's political life, and then touches on its most significant natural and human geographical characteristics affecting its political decision-making, namely location and territory, population, crude oil and natural gas, investment, foreign trade, decision-making structures, and soft power elements, and ends finally with conclusions and suggestions.