Strategic Perception and Representation of Qatar in the U.S. Policy Establishment During the 2017 Blockade

This thesis examines how Qatar was perceived and represented by U.S. policy elites during the 2017 Blockade, and how these perceptions influenced American foreign policy. Focusing on elite discourse, the study analyzes speeches, statements, and official documents from President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Secretary of Defense James Mattis, and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo between 2017 and 2021. Using Discourse Analysis (DA), it investigates how strategic perceptions were constructed. The findings of the data analysis reveal that Qatar has been constructed as a counterterrorism partner, economic investor, regional mediator, and cooperative actor in crisis management. The findings also show that U.S. perceptions have evolved over time. These changes reflect both skepticism and recognition of Qatar’s contributions to U.S. objectives; particularly in security, economy, and regional stability. Building on Foreign Policy Analysis, the study emphasizes how elite interpretations of Qatar guided policy, illustrating that strategic perceptions are shaped by political realities, U.S. hegemonic goals, and broader regional dynamics.