Small states' foreign policy behavior: An analysis of the foreign policies of Kuwait and Oman in the Yemeni and Gulfcrises

This dissertation examines the foreign policy strategies of Kuwait and Oman during the 2015 Yemen and 2017 Gulf crises, showing how they diverged from Neorealism's expectation that small states, constrained by limited resources, align with great powers and remain passive. Instead, both developed more autonomous and active strategies despite Saudi-led systemic pressures. In this context, the study particularly shows that both countries used mediation not merely as a diplomatic tradition but as a strategic tool to balance systemic pressures and reinforce their autonomy. The study adopts the theoretical framework of neoclassical realism and focuses on the variables of leader images and strategic culture. The research was conducted using a qualitative case study method, and the data obtained from semi-structured elite interviews, official documents, and secondary sources were evaluated through qualitative thematic analysis. As a result, the dissertation demonstrates how leader images and strategic culture elements of both countries factor in foreign policy behaviour and tools during the two crises and examines the role of these two intervening variables in shaping their foreign policy orientations. The study makes two contributions to the literature: First, it demonstrates the analytical strength of neoclassical realism in explaining the foreign policy of small states. Second, it provides significant findings on why and how mediation is pursued and what role it plays as a strategic foreign policy tool for small Gulf states during times of crisis.