The Perennial Problem of Small States: A Survey of Research Efforts

Abstract

The survey points to the age-old European interest in the role of small states, almost ignored in the recent literature on small states. It is shown that the numerous attempts to define a small state have exclusively been concerned with defining an independent variable to the neglect of a dependent variable, viz. the behavior of small states. The studies on the security policy of small states and on their foreign economic relations are discussed. Other approaches to the study of small states in international relations are analyzed, including various quantitative attempts. In the conclusion some alternatives for further research are suggested.