Qatar’s evolving role in conflict mediation

Abstract

ABSTRACTQatar’s role in mediation diminished following the 2017 Gulf Crisis and the regional backlash to its interventionist policy during the Arab Spring. After the resolution of the Gulf Crisis in 2021, the Qatari role in conflict mediation re-emerged with a return to third-party mediation in the early 2020s, receiving widespread attention following the U.S.-Taliban agreement. The post-crisis return of Qatar to playing central mediator and facilitator roles in conflict management has, however, been subject to discontinuities as well as continuities in its mediation style as a result of the crisis in its international relations. This article analyses the evolution of mediation strategy, utilizing case studies of Qatar’s mediation in Afghanistan, Chad, and Libya through a framework focusing on results, modality, acceptability and reception. The analysis identifies key comparative findings on Qatar’s post-2020 renewed role in conflict mediation.KEYWORDS: Qatarconflict mediationpeacemakingGulf statesconflict resolution Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Notes1. Interview. Former member of the Taliban Political Office. March 2022.2. Interview. Technical staff, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s negotiating team. November 2021.