A Small Power’s Struggle for Independence in the Independent Era

Abstract

Abstract Can a small state stand up to some of the major powerful states? If the answer is yes, what sort of socio-political environment would enable a small state to stand up to powerful states and effectively relieve hegemonic pressure from powerful states? This paper argues that Sri Lanka, a small and weak state, managed in the last few years, to effectively relieve hegemonic pressure from India and is standing up to the the usa. The Sri Lankan case demonstrates that a small state can effectively relieve hegemonic pressure from powerful states if its political milieu entails the following three elements: (1) the will of the political leadership, (2) a supportive population, and (3) patronage of major rival states.