Publication: Analysing The Role Of Social Media In The Uae - Israel Normalization Agreement In 2020: A Gulf Cooperation Council Perspective
Date
2025-04
Authors
Abdalla, Aljasmi Raida Muhsin Mohamed
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Abstract
The normalization agreement signed by the united arab emirates (uae) and israel on august 13, 2020, was a momentous geopolitical milestone with far-reaching consequences. While emirati authorities portrayed the agreement as a step toward warm peace, popular comments on social media indicated a wide range of views, from strong support to strident rejection. Social media was essential in creating conversation surrounding the accord, impacting public perception and political narratives. This study investigated the influence of social media in the uae-israel normalization process, utilizing international relations theory, agenda-setting theory, social media use, political participation, and social media political participation model as the theoretical framework. A qualitative study technique was used, including semi-structured interviews with 15 people (three from the uae and twelve from the gulf cooperation council) and sentiment analysis of twitter (x) and facebook postings from august to october 2020, all performed using nvivo software. The data reveal that social media had a substantial impact on popular mood, increasing both pro- and anti-normalization views. Sentiment research found that the prevalent perception in the uae was positive, indicating the efficacy of government messaging and public engagement methods.
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Agenda-setting theory