Foreign Policy Strategies of Small States in Contemporary International Relations

Abstract

In scholarly literature focusing on small states, there may already be identified four generations of approaches to the definition of a small state, as well as to research of small states’ involvement in international relations. The fourth generation, which appeared in the last decade, is based on the dynamism and relativism of the concept of power that a small state may exert in the international environment. Frequently, it makes use of strategies of small states; however, it failed to systematise them. The paper contributes to the debate by introducing a basic typology of small states’ strategies that serve to overcome their vulnerability and extend the power of their foreign policy. At the same time, it provides an alternative perspective on the application of these strategies. The paper distinguishes between defensive and offensive strategies in the security and economic area, and it discusses offensive approaches in fundamental agendas as well as attempts to create and promote a positive image for small states.

Keywords

• small states
• foreign policy
• power
• defensive strategy
• offensive strategy