DAFF 25A99 - Small and Micro-states in Global Politics

Most states are small by one or another measure. But what exactly is a small state, and to what extent does size matter for the conduct of international affairs? How can small states influence international relations? In this course, we use the lens of this category of small states to critically think about key concepts in political science, such as sovereignty, independence/dependence, security, and power. We will first introduce the concept of small states, its historical development, and the field of small state studies. We then discuss common characteristics and challenges of, as well as the heterogeneity among, small and microstates, and finally turn to specific issues of importance to small states, including their role in international organisations such as the United Nations or the European Union; security and defense; climate change; or economic development.
Carola KLOECK
Séminaire
English
Autumn 2024-2025
active participation and reflection (25%) presentation & discussion (30%) final paper (45%)
Baldacchino, G. & A. Wivel (Eds.) (2020), Handbook on the Politics of Small States. Edward Elgar
Briguglio, L. (Ed.) (2018). Handbook of Small States : Economic, Social and Environmental Issues. Routledge.
Cooper, A.F. & T. Shaw (2009). The Diplomacies of Small States: Between Vulnerability and Resilience. Palgrave
Long, T. (2022). A Small State's Guide to Influence in World Politics. Oxford University Press.
Neumann, I. B., & S. Gestöhl (2006). Lilliputians in Gulliver ́s World? Small States in International Relations, University of Washington Press, Seattle.
Panke, D. (2013). Unequal Actors in Equalising Institutions : Negotiations in the United Nations General Assembly, Palgrave.