Being a Small State: Discussion on the Role of Size

Justinas Lingevičius

doi:10.15388/bjps.2018.7-8.5

Abstract

This paper discusses theoretical debates regarding small states and their foreign policy and also argues that research should include more analysis of small states’ identities and the dominant meanings related to being a small state. Using poststructuralistic theoretical perspective and discourse analysis, two empirical cases – Lithuania and New Zealand – are analysed with attention paid to the meanings of smallness and the ways these meanings are constructed. Empirical analysis follows with suggestions for how future research of small states could be improved.

Highlights

One of the main issues of the study field is a significant lack of agreement pertaining to how to define a small state (Thorhalsson and Wivel, 2006; Crowards, 2002; Steinmetz and Wivel, 2010)
Poststructuralism does not suggest its own definition of explicit insights related to small states, this approach allows small states to be considered as subjects, and it questions how subjectivities are formed and how they change in interaction with international politics, and a country’s foreign and security policies
It is important to stress that this tendency is not so common among states that could be named small following the objective criteria. Both Lithuania’s and New Zealand’s political and especially foreign and security policy discourses become exceptional in how frequent the phrase ‘small state’ is used

Summary

Introduction

One of the main issues of the study field is a significant lack of agreement pertaining to how to define a small state (Thorhalsson and Wivel, 2006; Crowards, 2002; Steinmetz and Wivel, 2010). Quantitative criteria alone do not explain why some countries, with similar populations or territorial size (generalized as small ones) exercise different foreign policies and have different levels of influence at the international level (for example, Denmark and Estonia). Constructivists show that small states have ways to exercise influence at the international level, proposed images or identity tendencies are still generalized and presented as stable. This paper argues that the identity of small states might be an essential factor in constructing perceptions, and foreign and security policy. Such self-understanding does not lead to overall or thorough answers applicable to similar states, but proposes unique and context specific definitions. The fourth section introduces a few conceptual principles, which might be beneficial for further studies of small states

Smallness as a part of identity

How to analyse small states?

Lithuania and New Zealand – what small states?

The relevance of smallness

What is the identity of smallness?

Findings

Conclusion