Religious Tolerance and Foreign Policy: The Case of UAE-Israel Normalization
Abstract
This study explores the connection between the UAE religious tolerance and normalization, arguing that normalization with Israel was a diplomatic affair supported by the UAE religious tolerance values. It employs a qualitative methodology with elite interviews, and by using the theory of religious tolerance, it shows that the UAE religious tolerance policy has positively influenced the normalization with Israel since 2020. The article demonstrates the importance of religious tolerance as a supportive discourse promoting UAE and Israel normalization. This carries important policy implications, showing that religious tolerance can become a major supportive tool to promote Israel-Arab normalization.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Jewish and Middle Eastern Studies
Middle East Politics and Society
International Relations and Foreign Policy
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Asian and African Studies
- Volume
- 61
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 4415–4437
- Publication date
- 12 January 2026
- Language
- EN