International Broadcasting and Public Diplomacy: Qatar’s Response to International Criticism of the Kafala System Through Al Jazeera

Kalila Untsa, Mansur Juned

Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jakarta

This study analyzes Qatar's public diplomacy through Al Jazeera in responding to international criticism of the Kafala system. Leading up to and during the 2020–2022 labor reform period, Qatar faced global pressure regarding migrant workers and human rights standards. In this context, Al Jazeera, as an international media outlet based in Qatar, played a strategic role in shaping the narrative regarding the reforms carried out by the government. This study uses Nicholas J. Cull's public diplomacy framework, which includes listening, advocacy, cultural diplomacy, exchange diplomacy, and international broadcasting, to identify how public diplomacy practices are carried out through media coverage. Using a qualitative approach and content analysis of Al Jazeera articles and reports, the findings show that the functions of international broadcasting and advocacy are dominant elements in framing the Kafala reform as Qatar's progressive commitment to international standards. This study shows that international media can serve as a strategic instrument in a country’s public diplomacy practices, particularly in managing its image and responding to international criticism. This study shows that international media can serve as a strategic instrument in a country's public diplomacy practices, particularly in managing its image and responding to international criticism

Article link: https://www.asianinstituteofresearch.org/lhqrarchives/international-broadcasting-and-public-diplomacy%3A-qatar’s-response-to-international-criticism-of-the-kafala-system-through-al-jazeera