Globalized Aesthetics and Their Political Implications: An Architectural–Geopolitical Analysis of Dubai's Urban Transformation

Abstract Globalization has reshaped architectural aesthetics worldwide, producing buildings and urban landscapes that transcend local identity and cultural heritage. This article investigates the political, cultural, and aesthetic implications of globalized architecture through a comprehensive case study of Dubai, one of the world’s most iconic “global cities.” Over the past three decades, Dubai has transitioned from a modest port city into a global hub of commerce, tourism, and architectural experimentation. This research analyzes how Dubai’s architectural aesthetics characterized by hyper-modern skyscrapers, iconic megaprojects, and imported global styles, function as instruments of soft power, international branding, and political messaging. Using theoretical frameworks from international relations (soft power, cultural geopolitics, constructivism) and architectural theory (Critical Regionalism, global cities discourse), this paper demonstrates that architecture in Dubai is not merely an aesthetic choice but a deliberate geopolitical strategy aimed at identity construction, global competitiveness, and the creation of a politically charged urban imaginary. The findings suggest that globalized architecture plays a significant role in shaping national image, influencing public diplomacy, and projecting political aspirations onto the world stage.