Beyond the Horizon
摘要
This concluding chapter synthesises the central arguments presented throughout the book, offering a cohesive understanding of the principles and practices shaping Qatari foreign policy. The narratives that formed the majority content of this book sought to connect the past with the present to direct future behaviour. The initial research was to understand the change in foreign policy direction by looking at the pre-dilemma (i.e., pre-Arab Spring) period and to understand how a shift was occurring. Several shifts were identified in this research, for example, the shift from an open discussion on Wahhabism and its relation to other schools of Islam to a more muted tone in speeches and public events. Another example would include shifting from a neutral mediator to a more openly strategic supporter. While these shifts occurred, it was relatively easy to look back at Qatar’s traditions and identify themes that consistently ran throughout the decision-making and were linked to traditions. Over the years, policymakers kept introducing new beliefs, which later helped construct Qatar’s roles because they relied on previous experiences and rediscovering (putting into use) the national history.