نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی
نویسندگان
1 گروه روابط بین‌الملل، دانشگاه اصفهان، اصفهان، ایران
2 گروه علوم سیاسی، دانشگاه شهید بهشتی، تهران، ایران
3 گروه کشمکش و همکاری در خاورمیانه، مرکز پژوهش‌های علمی و مطالعات استراتژیک خاورمیانه، تهران، ایران
چکیده
کلیدواژه‌ها
عنوان مقاله [English]
نویسندگان [English]
This article analyzes and explains the "technological transition in foreign policy," focusing on a case study of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It argues that smart and purposeful governance of artificial intelligence (AI) has become a key tool for redefining and enhancing the UAE's geopolitical role in both regional and global arenas. In an era where emerging technologies, especially AI, are transforming fundamental concepts
of power, security, and diplomacy, the UAE, through a forward-looking approach and strategic investments, has sought to transition from a traditional oil-based power to a technological and influential actor in the new world order. The central question of the research revolves around how AI governance and its mechanisms have impacted the UAE's foreign policy and geopolitical position. The article's hypothesis posits that the strategic use of AI and the creation of technological governance structures have led to an increase in soft power, diplomatic influence, and the consolidation of the UAE's geopolitical position both regionally and globally. This study, employing a qualitative approach and using strategic content analysis, examines the UAE’s documents, policies, and actions in this domain.
The research findings indicate that the UAE’s strategy goes beyond purely economic dimensions and domestic development, establishing a systematic connection between artificial intelligence policies and foreign policy objectives. The country, through the establishment of pioneering institutions such as the "Ministry of Artificial Intelligence" (2017), the first of its kind globally, and the formulation of the "UAE National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031," has defined a comprehensive framework to position itself
as a global hub in this field. This strategy is built on key pillars such as institutional development, talent acquisition, data-driven infrastructure development, and the creation of an innovative ecosystem. Massive investments in technology companies like G42, which recently attracted a $1.5 billion investment from Microsoft, as well as the development of native large language models like Falcon, highlight the UAE’s efforts to shift from being a consumer of technology to a producer and architect of the digital order. In the geopolitical dimension, AI governance has enabled the UAE to employ "technological diplomacy" as one of the key pillars of its foreign policy. By hosting global technology giants, offering its AI models as open-source, and striving to play a role in global regulatory frameworks, the UAE positions itself as a responsible and leading player in the technology field. These actions have significantly strengthened the country's "soft power" and helped brand it as a modern, innovative, and forward-thinking state. The article shows that the UAE is engaged in an "intelligent balancing game" between the major technology powers, namely the United States and China. While it welcomes collaboration with American companies like Microsoft and OpenAI, it seeks to avoid complete dependence on any single power and diversifies its technological relationships. This opportunistic approach allows the UAE to define an independent and key position for itself in the global geopolitical competition. From a power perspective, artificial intelligence is becoming a new component alongside military and economic power. The UAE, by integrating advanced technologies into
its defense and security structures—evident in its technological collaborations with
Israel following the "Abraham Accords"—is also strengthening its "hard power." This technological transition is not merely a choice but a strategic necessity for survival and influence in the 21st century. Recognizing this reality, the UAE has successfully employed AI as a tool to increase strategic independence, create sustainable economic advantages, and redefine its role as a small but influential power in regional and global equations. Ultimately, the article concludes that the UAE’s model of integrating AI governance with foreign policy objectives is a successful example of how small and medium-sized states can use technology to overcome traditional geopolitical constraints and play a role beyond their conventional weight in the international system. This model can serve as a template for other developing countries seeking to take a more active role in shaping the future global order.
کلیدواژه‌ها [English]
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