Abu Dhabi will pivot to ‘soft power’ security policies
Monday, September 27, 2021
Significance
UAE military engagement abroad since the 1990s has earned it the nickname ‘Little Sparta’. Its activities included a lengthy mission alongside NATO forces in Afghanistan and special forces-led interventions in Libya and Yemen.
Impacts
- Increased COVID-19 vaccine diplomacy could be an important component of the Emirati soft power approach.
- UAE purchases of expensive weapons and maintenance of Red Sea basing options will focus on the Iran threat.
- Defence industrial ties will strengthen with the United States and Israel.