The Intelligence from The Economist Division multiplication: the UAE’s foreign meddling
18 snips
Apr 23, 2025 
Greg Karlstrom, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, and Moeka Iida, a Japan analyst for The Economist, delve into the UAE's enigmatic foreign policy, revealing its dual role as both mediator and supporter of regional militias, complicating its diplomatic image. They also discuss Japan's recent rice crisis, spotlighting farmer protests for better working conditions amid rising prices and climate issues. The conversation touches on the broader implications for food security and the delicate balance between government intervention and free market efficiency.
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UAE's Dual Global Role
- The UAE presents itself as a calm global broker but supports divisive and ideological agendas abroad.
- It leverages its power to foster division rather than stability, contradicting its public image.
UAE Fuels Regional Instability
- The UAE supports militias that aim to divide or overthrow states in Sudan, Libya, Yemen, and Somalia.
- This creates regional instability, often opposing major powers like the US, China, and Russia simultaneously.
UAE's Ideological and Regional Rivalry
- The UAE's strategy contrasts with Saudi Arabia's push for stability by focusing on opposition to political Islamism.
- It competes against Saudi Arabia and regional rivals Qatar and Turkey by backing anti-Islamist and often secessionist groups.
