Growing cooperation between Qatar and Russia in the past years has often been accompanied by sensational media headlines and glowing forecasts. But what is the realistic reach of their partnership, and where are the limits?

While Qatar and Russia have enjoyed robust bilateral relations for several decades, media pundits from both countries have announced a “quantum leap” in their relations, especially after the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in early June, when Qatar was invited to participate as the guest country...