Title: The UAE-Tunisia diplomatic relations: a subtle balance between economy and security?

Authors: William Guéraiche

Addresses: American University in the Emirates, PO Box 503 3000, Dubai, UAE

Abstract: This article examines the relations between the United Arab Emirates and Tunisia and how the Arab identity interferes in diplomatic relations. These countries have a history of cordial relations that quietly evolved toward reciprocal economic benefits and security under the implicit paradigm of what may be called a 'patronage'. Under the administration of the Tunisian president Ben Ali, the interests of the two parties, states as well as non-state actors such as the emirate of Dubai, converged. The UAE and Tunisia nurtured a hierarchical relationship that reinforced economic and political ties but that also inevitably endured several setbacks on the path to revolution and the rise of the Islamist movements in Tunisia. Ultimately, both the financial crisis of 2008 and the global security crises with the rise of Daesh tested the principle of brotherhood entrenched in the Middle East.

Keywords: the United Arab Emirates; Tunisia; foreign policy; diplomacy; patronage; Islamism; radical Islam; Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan; Zine Al Abidine Ben Ali; nation branding; foreign direct investment; FDI.

DOI: 10.1504/IJDIPE.2017.088840

International Journal of Diplomacy and Economy, 2017 Vol.3 No.4, pp.316 - 329

Received: 02 Jun 2016
Accepted: 09 Sep 2016
Published online: 20 Dec 2017 *

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