The politics of Gulf foreign aid: from survival and solidarity to political and military influence

Khaled Almezaini, Zayed University

Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

Third World Quarterly

Publication Date

1-1-2024

Abstract

This article critically examines the shifting dynamics of foreign aid politics within the Gulf states. Historically rooted in cultural factors and solidarity with Arab and Muslim nations, foreign aid from prominent donors such as the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait has undergone a profound transformation. Their aid has evolved from solidarity aid into an effective instrument of foreign policy, used strategically to project power and expand regional influence. This shift has not only redefined the role of Gulf countries in international and regional politics but has also catalysed the transformation of states in the broader Middle East. This article, therefore, seeks to answer the following two questions: (1) How do we explain the evolution of the politicisation of Gulf foreign aid? and (2) To what extent has the provision of Gulf foreign aid been a crucial determinant of changing regional dynamics in the Middle East, particularly since the Arab uprisings in 2011? It argues that Gulf donors have become crucial power brokers, shaping the politics and trajectories of key states such as Egypt post 2011. Their substantial financial assistance has proven instrumental in steering political and socio-economic transformations, highlighting the pivotal role of Gulf aid in shaping regional affairs.

ISSN

0143-6597

Publisher

Informa UK Limited

Disciplines

Political Science

Keywords

Gulf foreign aid, Gulf politics, Military aid, politics of aid, solidarity aid

Scopus ID

85203366262

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

no

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