THE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA AS MEANS OF FOREIGN POLICY; TRANSFORMING THE GCC

Abstract

ABSTRACT In the context of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), this thesis explores how social media can be an instrument of foreign policy since it has been used as a tool of soft power by many nations to create a narrative of international relations in respective countries, to influence world perception, and to promote national branding. The study follows a comparative case study model where it will examine how Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have incorporated the use of social media in their diplomacy. Selective cases, which include the GCC blockade of 2017, hacking of the Qatar News Agency, the eye of Saudi Operations, Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 influence, and the constructive diplomacy on the cultural front that the UAE continued, are considered to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the digital platforms. Even though the strategies have expanded the exposure of the GCC diplomacy, they have also exposed the states to cyber threats, misinformation, and reputational losses. The thesis also examines flaws in the current domestic laws on cybersecurity and cybercrime in the GCC and points out the lack of a binding international cybersecurity statute. This regulation loophole jeopardizes the sustainability and credibility of digital diplomacy practices. The findings show that even though social media is playing a major role in enhancing the soft power capacity of the GCC states, its influence is being hampered by the decentralization of the cross-border monitoring and the lack of inter-country enforcement mechanisms. These studies imply the establishment of regional policies together and active participation in the creation of cybersecurity norms in the world arena. The research will be useful to international law, world politics, and digital politics since it will provide them with an analysis of foreign policy reorganization in one of the most strategic regions in the world.

Date of Award	2025
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	HBKU College of Law