Qatar’s Growing Role as Mediator in Global politics
Opinion by|Farooq Ahmad
In the present age of increasing conflicts and wars, some countries are trying to emerge as mediators and arbitrators to calm the conflicts and, in the process, boost their own power and leverage. In the Middle East, which is described as the hub of conflicts, a small but rich Gulf nation, Qatar, has long been acting as a mediator to resolve the violent stages of various conflicts. Besides mediating in conflicts in the Middle East, Qatar has successfully hosted some major peace talks, such as the Taliban–USA dialogue in 2021. Recently, Qatar acted as a strong mediator in the Israel–Hamas negotiations leading to a ceasefire. In a number of ongoing conflicts, Qatar is either a mediator or is acting as a host for peace talks and dialogue between conflicting parties. Analysts are of the opinion that due to Qatar’s consistent mediation efforts, it has earned the reputation of “a prickly Switzerland.”
There are a number of factors that add weight to Qatar being a strong mediator. Firstly, Qatar’s present leadership envisions their nation as a strong advocate of diplomacy as a means to resolve conflicts. Qatar’s firm stance on diplomacy and negotiations as a path toward conflict resolution has led to its reputation as a capable mediator among conflicting parties. Secondly, due to Qatar’s fair and neutral role in negotiations, it is emerging as a more reliable and trustworthy mediator in the eyes of those involved. Qatar is also utilizing its strong economic position to attract conflicting parties to host talks in Doha. Doha is also taking full advantage of its television network, Al Jazeera, which in recent decades has emerged as a platform to broadcast pro-Arab and pro-Muslim narratives and views, giving Qatar a stronger position among other Arab nations.
“Mediation is Qatar’s identity,” says Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani. Thani has made it clear that no one can deter Qatar from its role as a mediator. In response to the Israeli attack on Hamas negotiators on 9 September 2025, the Qatari leadership made it clear that Qatar will not refrain from future mediation efforts and will continue to make efforts to mediate and host talks. Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, who is also serving as Minister for External Affairs of Qatar, said, “You will see us (Qatar) wherever there is conflict,” signaling Qatar’s growing engagement in global diplomacy and conflict mediation.
Through mediation and hosting diplomats, Doha is increasing its significance in global politics. Despite being small and having very limited defense capacity in terms of men and material, Qatar is successfully boosting its strategic importance by acting as a mediator. Besides increasing its cultural and soft power, Qatar is attempting to strengthen its own security in an extremely volatile region full of conflicts and wars. Qatar is also being seen as a strong, successful Muslim state despite being small in size and population. As a realist, one will conclude that Qatar’s mediator role is more strategic than merely cultural.
Author: Farooq Ahmad Lone writes on international relations. He can be reached at lonefarooqahmad80@gmail.com.
