Role of Mediation in Qatar’s Foreign Policy: A Case of the Afghan Conflict

The present study is of particular relevance as it seeks to demonstrate the new possibilities of crisis diplomacy for small countries, a topic that has gained additional signi cance in an increasingly unstable international situation. In recent decades, Qatar, being a small state, has acquired the status of an active actor in world politics, capable of in uencing international and regional processes. This is largely due to its reliance on mediation in the settlement of international crises and disputes. The aim of the article is to identify the speci cs of Qatar’ mediation strategy in the context of evolving regional and global geopolitical conditions and the tools that have enabled the country to quickly establish itself as a credible mediator within the international community. The scienti c novelty of the research lies in the separate study of the phenomenon of Doha’s mediation as one of the key mechanisms for enhancing Qatar’s international standing, focusing on Doha’s mediation in resolving the Afghan issue. The study relies on a historical and comparative method, discourse analysis, case study. The authors conclude that Qatar was able to gain the trust of the international community as a mediator due to its pragmatic balancing strategy, active use of its own nancial capabilities. As a new player on the international stage, the state was considered to have no hidden agenda when engaging in con ict resolution. However, the diplomatic crises of 2011-2013 and 2017-2021 undermined Qatar’s reputation as a neutral actor, forcing it to adapt its mediation strategy, as mediation of the US - Taliban negotiations demonstrated. Qatar’s e ective mediation of the US - Taliban deal has restored Doha’s credibility as an unbiased regional and global mediator and opened up new opportunities for the country to promote its in uence in global politics, neutralizing the negative e ects of the diplomatic crises.