The Thinking Muslim

The Bloodied Emirates: How the UAE Fears a Free Muslim World with Dr Andreas Krieg

45 snips
May 13, 2025
In this insightful conversation, Dr. Andreas Krieg, an associate professor at King's College London and strategic risk consultant, unpacks the UAE's assertive statecraft and its fear of a free Muslim world. He delves into how the UAE manipulates non-state actors to fight against Islamic civil society under the guise of combating terrorism. The discussion covers the UAE's counter-revolutionary efforts post-Arab Spring, its complex relationships, and its strategic manipulation of military dynamics in Libya and beyond, revealing a nuanced picture of regional power plays.
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INSIGHT

UAE's Network-Centric Statecraft

  • The UAE uses private networks of mercenaries and companies for statecraft, ensuring plausible deniability.
  • They strategically lure and back these entities to extend influence without direct state involvement.
INSIGHT

Arab Spring Transformed UAE Policy

  • The 2011 Arab Spring was a turning point when the UAE realized the US wouldn't protect regional stability.
  • The UAE then took autonomous, assertive regional action to secure its interests.
INSIGHT

Mohamed bin Zayed's Defense-Centric Worldview

  • Mohamed bin Zayed's military background shapes UAE's defense-focused, zero-sum worldview.
  • This leads to UAE's firm opposition to Islamism and prioritization of security and regime control.
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