Small States in the Multi-Polar World: Introduction

Petar Kurecic Petar Kurecic

doi:10.13169/worlrevipoliecon.8.3.0280

Abstract

The multipolar world of present day, with one dominant state and a couple of contender states, is comprised of small, mid-size and large states. Small states comprise between half and two-thirds of the world's states depending on the criteria used for classification. However, their influence is diametrically opposite to their number. The contemporary transnational developments have changed the role and position of small states, giving them new opportunities for international action, albeit concurrently making them more vulnerable to external economic and environmental influences, such as overexposure to one economic activity and the consequences of the climate change. Small states, despite their relatively small importance for the transnational developments, deserve the attention of scholars and the general public, as well as the civil society. Large states could learn from successful small states and be more concerned for the fate of small states. The difficulties of small vulnerable states are predictors of the world's vulnerability.

Highlights

Petar Kurecic AbstractThe multipolar world of present day, with one dominant state and a couple of contender states, is comprised of small, mid-size and large states
Whereas the relations between dominant and contender states may be the leitmotif of the geopolitical economy of any era, small states are not without their importance and even effect on it
The multipolarity thesis conclusion drawn from the data shown in the previous section is the following: The fluid relationships at the apex of the world’s economic, political, and military power are slowly, albeit surely moving into the direction of reducing the importance of one pole, that is, the dominant state, due to the rising importance of contender states

Summary

Introduction

Petar Kurecic AbstractThe multipolar world of present day, with one dominant state and a couple of contender states, is comprised of small, mid-size and large states. Whereas the relations between dominant and contender states may be the leitmotif of the geopolitical economy of any era, small states are not without their importance and even effect on it.

Results

Conclusion