​Dr. Khalid Al-Khulaifi is a diplomat and academic specializing in international relations, with a focus on small states studies and state power dynamics. Over the past decade, he has held various roles in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar. He also serves as a senior expert at the Centre for International Policy Research (CIPR), drawing on both his professional and academic experience to engage with global political issues. Dr. Al-Khulaifi earned his PhD in International Relations and Political Science from the Australian National University, with research on the strategic role of small states and the use of smart power. He has also lectured at Qatar University, where he developed and taught courses on International Relations, Gulf Studies, Security and International Law. In addition to teaching, he has participated in international conferences and forums, sharing his work on subjects related to his field. His combination of diplomatic practice and academic work offers insights into the dynamics of global politics and the behavior of small states.​