SOFT POWER STRATEGIES OF THE UAE: CONCEPTUAL FOUNDATIONS AND SPECIFIC FEATURES OF IMPLEMENTATION IN THE CONTEXT OF SECURITY CHALLENGES AND THREATS

Abstract

The article examines the peculiarities of the formation and transformations of the soft power strategy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is determined by regional and global security challenges and threats. The UAE soft power policy is seen as a strategic tool of foreign policy influence and an element of national security in the context of instability, inter-state confrontations, the rise of terrorism, cyber threats and other security challenges. A system of threats and challenges to the regional security architecture of the Persian Gulf has been identified, which, in turn, has influenced the UAE's foreign policy priorities and prompted a transformation of the state's soft power strategies. It explores the essence and theoretical-conceptual foundations of soft power, analyses the mechanisms, institutional frameworks, and key directions of its implementation in the UAE’s policy. The study demonstrates that the contemporary model of UAE soft power integrates cultural, humanitarian, educational, scientific, digital, and environmental diplomacy, combining traditional values with modernization trends. The relevance of the study is due to the growing role of non-military resources of influence in international relations and the rethinking of soft power as a factor in ensuring stability, security, trust, partnership in the context of the challenges of terrorism, regional conflicts, security threats, information and hybrid wars. Special attention is given to the security dimension of UAE policy, within which soft power functions as a humanitarian and communicative tool for security stabilization. The article analyses how the «Soft Power Strategy 2017» transformed soft power UAE into a security resource of state policy. It identifies that the UAE effectively employs a combination of cultural diplomacy, interfaith dialogue, humanitarian assistance, media activity, peacebuilding, and climate diplomacy to strengthen its international image, promote its valuebased agenda. The study concludes that the UAE has developed a unique model of soft power, where security challenges are transformed into security opportunities for development. This model not only enhances the country’s international authority but also demonstrates the ability to integrate humanitarian, cultural, and innovative resources into national security strategy. The experience of the Emirates shows that in the 21st century, soft power becomes not only a symbol of diplomatic attractiveness, but also an effective mechanism for ensuring long-term stability, security and global partnership.