Qatari litigation targets reputation, not resolution

Subject

Qatari legal disputes with Gulf rivals.

Significance

More than two years after a bloc of regional rivals began an economic and political boycott of Qatar, there are no signs of rapprochement on the horizon. In the meantime, Doha has launched a series of legal challenges against the boycotting countries at the WTO and elsewhere. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has responded with counterclaims against Qatar.

Impacts

• The Gulf diplomatic crisis will likely only be resolved when the blockading countries find it expedient to bring it to a close.
• Saudi and UAE use of the national security exemption will offer further test cases for WTO dispute resolution.
• The United States may seek to intervene to encourage bilateral deals to prevent an unwelcome ruling on the national security exemption.