ABSTRACT
At first sight, Middle Eastern and North African small states should have found themselves in an unfavourable position by the 21st century. Systemic developments, including worsening instability, intensifying great power rivalry, civil wars and their spill-over effects should, at least theoretically, undermine their security and shrink their leverage. Enjoying domestic stability and conducting a long-term strategy, Qatar managed to enlarge its importance in the international system. Specialising on liquid natural gas exports, cooperating with the Muslim Brotherhood, and using various soft power tools, Doha managed to influence political dynamics and secure its place in the interstate society. Decision makers in the United Arab Emirates definitely learned the lesson from the Qatari experience, even if the federation has been the odd-man-out among the smaller Gulf states. Lacking theoretical embeddedness urges scholars to conduct descriptive analysis and to over-emphasize the role of personalities.
