Comparative Analysis of Soft and Hard Power in the UAE

Running head: RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Research Proposal
Name of the student
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1RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Executive Summary
This study has conducted a comparative analysis of soft power and hard power in the
UAE. The effectiveness of soft and hard power has been depended on the accessibility of the
resources in power. Thus, maintaining large military and maintaining good relationships with
various other countries was essential for maintaining diplomatic supremacy. Hard power was
difficult to obtain for smaller nations but UAE had strong relationship with the United States,
which had been a significant transformation in UAE foreign policy. The conclusion drawn from
the study was that maintaining a balance between hard and soft power had been essential in
modern world of globalization. The objective of had been formulated and based on that
appropriate methods had been selected.

2RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Background and problem definition................................................................................................3
Objectives........................................................................................................................................4
Research question............................................................................................................................4
Literature review..............................................................................................................................5
Research methodology.....................................................................................................................8
Research plan.................................................................................................................................11
References......................................................................................................................................13

3RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Topic: Soft power versus hard power: An insight to the foreign policy and its strategic aims in
UAE
Introduction
This is a study, which will conduct a comparative analysis of soft power and hard power
in the UAE. The effectiveness of soft and hard power will depend on the accessibility of the
resources in power. Thus, maintaining large military and maintaining good relationships with
various other countries is essential for maintaining diplomatic supremacy. Hard power is difficult
to obtain for smaller nations but UAE has strong relationship with the United States, which is a
significant transformation in UAE foreign policy. However, the government structure of UAE is
complex so combing hard and soft power in feasible proportions is essential.
Background and problem definition
United Arab Emirates political framework includes elements of absolute, presidential and
federal monarchy. There are seven monarchies in the United Arab Emirates constitutions. The
leader of Abu Dhabi holds the head of state and Presidential post. On the other hand, the leader
of Dubai holds the position of Prime minister of the country. Thus, different monarchs rule the
seven emirates, which is the main reason for difference in style of diplomacy approach (Lee
2015). It is evident from the fact that Abu Dhabi prefers using hard power as strategic approach
whereas Doha has preferred using soft power as their strategic approach. The priorities of their
leaders have determined the strategies applied by each of the gulf states. The countries able to
incorporate elements of both soft and hard power are known as smart power companies. UAE
has formed strong diplomatic relationship with the United States of America after the 9/11 due to
the involvement of terrorists from Emirates.