The Role of GCC Foreign Aid Policy in Enhancing the Regional Security: The Case of the State of Qatar

Abstract

This paper presents an important aspect of the regional security of the GCC region and the neighboring countries. It explores the use of foreign aid policy in GCC states, and the state of Qatar in particular, to enhance national and regional security aspects. Based on the fieldwork; reviewing of policy documents and interviewing policy makers and senior officials, my research findings have unveiled the role of foreign aid in achieving Qatar's security motives and enhancing its political agenda. An essential outcome indicated in this paper is related to Qatar's foreign aid policy response to regional security challenges and obstacles. Qatar has effectively used foreign aid to encounter several national and regional security events such as the Arab Spring, Gulf Crisis, civil conflicts, and inter-states wars. The state of Qatar has further benefited from its foreign aid to set constant partnerships with regional and global powers, and with recipient countries as well, to achieve security goals like combating terror, tackling humanitarian crises, and realizing peace and reconciliations. Qatar's foreign aid policy has effectively contributed to maintaining the country's stability and improving its invulnerability as well as enhancing the regional security.