The Success Of Small States In International Relations

Smaller nations have a special place in the international system, with a striking capacity to defy the expectations of most observers and many prominent theories of international relations. This volume of classic essays highlights the ability of small states to counter power with superior commitment, to rely on tightly knit domestic institutions with a shared "ideology of social partnership," and to set agendas as "norm entrepreneurs." The volume is organized around themes such as how and why small states defy expectations of realist approaches to the study of power; the agenda-setting capacity of smaller powers in international society and in regional governance structures such as the European Union; and how small states and representatives from these societies play the role of norm entrepreneurs in world politics -- from the promotion of sustainable solutions to innovative humanitarian programs and policies..

The Success of Small States in International Relations highlights the normality and power of small states in international relations. This book overturns the stereotype that small states, however defined, are weak and are, or ought to be, consigned to the margins of international relations. It argues that small states are not ‘punching above their weight’, or even anomalies – since it is large states which are the anomaly in the global system. The text unpacks the nature and character of small state success, while also looking critically at thirteen episodes in modern history where small states, singly or collectively, emerged victorious in confrontations with larger states. The case studies, globally sourced, are bookended by conceptual and analytic reviews of what these events mean for diplomacy, international relations and small states more generally. This book will appeal to scholars and students of comparative political science and international relations, particularly from small states, as well as policy makers and senior small state government officers.

Theoretically innovative and empirically expansive, A Small State's Guide to Influence in World Politics sets out to become the new authority for the study of small states in International Relations (IR). The book's explanatory approach allows for a comparison of small states' situations and relationships across a global selection of some twenty cases in issues of international security, economy, and institutions. In doing so, it shows how IR's longstandingneglect of small states is a missed opportunity--not just for understanding small states but for developing better theories of IR.

Comprehensive and timely, this Handbook identifies the key characteristics, challenges and opportunities involved in the politics of small states across the globe today. Acknowledging the historical legacies behind these states, the chapters unpack the costs and benefits of different political models for small states.

The cases of Singapore and Switzerland present a fascinating puzzle: how have two small states achieved similar levels of success through divergent pathways? Are both approaches equally sustainable, and what lessons do they hold for each other? While Singapore is the archetypal developmental state, whose success can be attributed to strong political leadership and long-term planning, Switzerland's success is a more organic process, due to the propitious convergence of strong industries and a resilient citizenry. Yet throughout the course of their development, both countries have had to deal with the dual challenges of culturally heterogeneous populations and challenging regional contexts. Edited by Yvonne Guo and Jun Jie Woo, with forewords from Ambassadors Thomas Kupfer and Tommy Koh, Singapore and Switzerland: Secrets to Small State Success features contributions from distinguished scholars and policymakers who explore the dynamics of two small states which have topped international rankings in a dazzling array of policy areas, from economic competitiveness to education to governance, but whose pathways to success could not be more different. Contents:Foreword by Ambassador Thomas KupferForeword by Ambassador Tommy KohPrefaceIntroduction and Background: The Trajectories of History, Politics and EconomicsPublic Administration in Singapore and Switzerland (Yvonne Guo and Andreas Ladner)Neutrality, Balancing or Engagement? Comparing the Singaporean and Swiss Approaches in Small-State Diplomacy (Yvonne Guo and J J Woo)Trade Policy: The Status Quo and The Quo Vadis of Trade Liberalisation (Michael Anliker)Small States as Banking Powerhouses: Financial Sector Policy in Singapore and Switzerland (Yvonne Guo and J J Woo)Land Transport Policy: Urban Infrastructure in Singapore and Switzerland (Bruno Wildermuth)SMEs: Challenges, Potential for Mutual Learning and Implications for Policymakers (Manuel Baeuml)Recent Trends in First-Class World Competitiveness: Singapore and Switzerland in Global Entrepreneurship Rankings (Philippe Régnier and Pascal Wild)Singapore and Switzerland: Success Stories in Education (Suzanne Hraba-Renevey and Yvonne Guo)United in Diversity? Managing Multiculturalism in Singapore and Switzerland (Yvonne Guo)Migration Policies: Lessons from the Singaporean and Swiss Experiences (Hui Weng Tat and Cindy Helfer)Power Resources and Income Inequality in Singapore and Switzerland (Mehmet Kerem Çoban)ConclusionAbout the AuthorsIndexReviews of the Book Readership: Policymakers; undergraduates and postgraduates in political science, economics, and international affairs.

Comprehensive and timely, this Handbook identifies the key characteristics, challenges and opportunities involved in the politics of small states across the globe today. Acknowledging the historical legacies behind these states, the chapters unpack the costs and benefits of different political models for small states. Contributions from key scholars challenge the idealization of the small state, disputing views that these states are inconsequential at best and a nuisance to world politics at worst. Offering evidence-based discussions on their importance to the global political order, the Handbook explores how small states 'do' politics, the major opportunities and challenges of policy-making and implementation, and how they can respond intelligently to these opportunities. Critical contemporary dilemmas are analysed, with a particular focus on the rise of nationalism, the collapse of empires, and the importance of this in relation to small state politics. Political science, diplomacy and international relations scholars, particularly those looking at small states, will find this a rich reference work. Case studies from all major world regions used in this Handbook will also make it a beneficial read for practitioners and policy-makers of small states.