The Correlation Of Small States And Neutrality

Originally published in 1988, this book examines the experiences of neutral states in Europe during the Second World War and in the postwar peiod. It examines both the practical and the theoretical considerations and the interface between the two, and discusses the implications of the experience of these countries for small states generally

Essay from the year 2018 in the subject Cultural Studies - Basics and Definitions, grade: 2,0, University of Iceland, language: English, abstract: This essay outlines the correlation of neutrality and small states. It includes definitions of the term "neutrality" and the term "small state". In the research part of the essay the author shows five examples of five different countries and their motives to adapt neutrality. In the conclusion the author works out a possible scheme to explain why small states adapt neutrality.

"Small states can make a big difference for an entire region not only for their potential nuicence value, but also for their active contributions to uphold international order from a neutral or buffer-state position. This book is very valuable for its concrete discussions of exactly how this has played out, particularly in post-Cold War Europe." -Iver B. Neumann, Co-editor of Small State Status-Seeking "Arguably, most of the states of the world are neither great powers nor middle powers, rather small states. Most of these small states are not members of military alliances. In her book, Radoman, goes in-depth analysing this universal phenomenon, hence presenting new and most welcomed knowledge. She presents valuable insights in the fields of Foreign Policy Analysis as well as Strategic Studies." -Håkan Edström, Associate Professor in Political Science and Senior Lecturer in War Studies, Swedish National Defence University, Stockholm, Sweden "If you want to know why states still opt for military neutrality in the twenty-first century, this is a book for you! To explain how two very different states, Sweden and Serbia, adopted a similar policy, Radoman draws on an eclectic theoretical framework. The book will also be a real treat for anyone interested in small states and their defense policies and European security more generally." - Filip Ejdus, Associate Professor, Faculty of Political Science, University of Belgrade, Serbia This book explores the factors that account for military neutrality as a security strategy for small states. Through comparing the cases of Serbia and Sweden the book introduces a novel conceptual framework that is built against existing knowledge in the small states and military neutrality literature. Drawing on different theoretical frameworks, the model explains why certain small states choose to stay outside of military alliances in the twenty-first century. Jelena Radoman holds a PhD in International Relations from the University of Belgrade, Serbia. Her work is related to security sector reform and security integrations. She currently works for the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Embassy in Belgrade.

This book examines the security, defence and foreign policy choices and challenges of small states in NATO and its small partner states in the new security environment. The main aim of the book is to analyse how these states are dealing with current and emerging security challenges and how they might better prepare for these challenges. A special focus is on ‘new’ security threats and solutions, such as drones and hybrid warfare. Simultaneously, the book focusses on how small states are responding to emerging ‘old threats’, such as Russian aggression in its neighbouring states and increased activity in the North Atlantic. The book makes an attempt to answer questions like: How are the small states of NATO and its small partner states adjusting to the new geo-political and geo-economic environment? Do small states in NATO manage the tension between alliance commitments differently from small states that are not members of NATO? What are the core strategic interests of the NATO and non-NATO partner small states? The book is about the external dimension of inherent size-related difficulties in states and how small states compensate for their inbuilt structural weaknesses compared with their larger neighbouring states. One third of the member states of NATO are small and most NATO partner states are small states too. Small states frequently have a disproportionate effect on global politics and they are more often affected by global shifts of power, yet they have less resources available to address security challenges. The aim of the book is to enhance the understanding of the role of small states in the changing global international security environment. The book presents the theory of shelter (which is derived from the diverse and extensive literature on small states) and uses it to examine how small states respond to new and old security threats. Shelter theory addresses three interrelated issues of common concerns to small states: the reduction of risk before a possible crisis event, assistance in absorbing shocks in times of crises, and help in recovering after such an event. In short, shelter theory claims that small states need external shelter in order to survive and prosper. They are dependent on the economic, political, and societal shelter provided by larger states, as well as regional and international organizations.

This book explores the factors that account for military neutrality as a security strategy for small states. Through comparing the cases of Serbia and Sweden, who have both come to define their security policies in identicial terms of military neutrality/non-alignment, the book introduces a novel conceptual framework that is built against existing knowledge found in the small states and military neutrality literature. Drawing on different theoretical frameworks, the model explains why certain small states choose to stay outside of military alliances in the twenty-first century. The author then applies the new model to the two selected case studies.

The first part of this book is primarily devoted to analysing the impact of the system of international relations on the fortunes of small states. The second part discusses the question 'what changes in the national strategy of small states are necessary in view of the new international system?' The authors of this volume come from various parts of the world and espouse differing outlooks. Nevertheless, they were able to coalesce around a similar theme in an effort to contribute to the international understanding of the special challenges that confront the world's small states.

The effects of recent institutional change within the European Union on small states have often been overlooked. This book offers an accessible, coherent and informative analysis of contemporary and future foreign policy challenges facing small states in Europe. Leading experts analyze the experiences of a number of small states including the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Luxembourg, Cyprus, Iceland, Austria and Switzerland. Each account, written to a common template, explores the challenges and opportunities faced by each state as a consequence of EU integration, and how their behaviour regarding EU integration has been characterized. In particular, the contributors emphasize the importance of power politics, institutional dynamics and lessons of the past. Innovative and sophisticated, the study draws on the relational understanding of small states to emphasize the implications of institutional change at the European level for the smaller states and to explain how the foreign and European policies of small states in the region are affected by the European Union.

The book focuses on the relations between small states and alliances. It is on why, how and under what conditions states engage in alliances. What are the benefits and costs of alliances? How are the benefits and costs of alliances allocated among their members? What determines who allies with whom? Can small states still pursue their own security interests within an alliance? Can they even become integral part of an alliance? Scholars, practitioners, policy-makers and advisors from several countries discuss these issues. They address historical, empirical and theoretical topics and give policy recommendations.