Small States Aim Higher

The concept of small state power is one which requires considerable deconstruction.How does one define a small state? Is it defined as a function of population, landmass,economy, a combination of these, or other, factors? While power may be less difficult define,if considered as the ability of one actor to change the behavior of another actor in order toachieve a specific objective, its measurement remains elusive. Given what traditionaltheorists posit about small state behavior in international politics, especially as it relates topower, how is such a process to be examined? This paper intends to assess the foregoing, thatis, small state power in international politics. In so doing, the constituent qualities of smallstates and power are dismantled so as to provide a comprehensive context for theexamination of the ever-changing dynamics of contemporary international affairs.Consequently, the second and third chapters explore power and small states respectively. Thefourth chapter of this paper considers the Maldivian approach to climate change in bothdomestic and international fora. Finally, the conclusion analyzes the current situation of theMaldives and considers implications for future small state power.Though its tangible manifestation is difficult to concretely operationalize, power isviewed as deriving from several potential sources. Classical realism emphasizes resourcesrooted in hard power, such as large population, military and/or economy. More recently,political scientists have considered the rising role of an even less tangible form of power–soft power. Coined by Joseph Nye, soft power is generated through attraction created by anactor’s (or in the case of this paper, a state’s) culture, values and policies. By virtue of itstendency toward ideas, institutions and the normalization of acceptable and legitimizingbehavior, soft power finds itself more suited to constructivist and liberalist theories. Smallstates, lacking conventional sources of hard power, rely on elements of soft power toinfluence other states within international foreign politics.The existing literature remains conflicted over what qualifies a country as a small state.Characteristics relative to population, land mass and economy reveal small states’ as beingunderstood not only through their physical “smallness” but also through their vulnerability.As a result of these various factors, countries designated as small states demonstrate widevariations. The Bahamas is archipelagic nation comprised of hundred of small islands with apopulation of less than500,000people and, yet it one of the wealthiest nations per capita inthe Americas. Botswana, on the other hand, with a landmass of almost600,000squarekilometers, possesses a population which is quadruple that of some small states and has only recently been considered a middle income country. Under different definitions, both countrieswould be categorized as small states. Defining small states not only assists in providingcontextual understanding within the arena of international affairs, but also explores specificfacets of small states, which are pertinent to any discussion relating to their internationalposition and behaviour. Within this framework, this section will introduce general ways inwhich small states can utilize their influence, employing power resources available to them.The case study of Maldives’ address of climate change considers the strategiesapproached by the pacific small island developing state to mitigate and adapt to climatechange nationally, while promoting increased global mitigation and adaptation internationally.Maldives has been recognized as one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change. Assuch, its government has implemented several domestic policies and programs to addressclimate change, which has been supported by bilateral and international partnerships, bothpublic and private. Importantly, Maldives has utilized the strength of the collective voicethrough coalitions, specifically with those which share similar vulnerabilities affected byclimate change. Through these various activities, the Maldivian government has created softpower–generated through its internationally acknowledged value placed on the importanceof the environment. This was especially illustrated at the UN Climate Change Summit held inCopenhagen in2009, when the voices of small states, in particular, small island developingstates, were not only heard, but listened to.Finally, the foregoing analysis acknowledges the reality of the international context,inclusive of its actors and politics, and attempts to reconcile the position of small states’ability to assert change to militate climate change. The intended result of which ismultipronged approach that requires the use of several theories for explanation, as well as,mechanisms and strategies available to small states:Active participation within issue specific bilateral and multilateral relations;implementation of regional and domestic “green” policies;complementary action of non-state actors as an additional level of progressive andproactive activity; and, effective use of international platforms through regional blocs andalliances.Ultimately, the paper concludes that the achievement of small state power has been aresult of cooperation in its many facets. Cooperation, albeit not a new concept, is one whichis still not applied as freely as it opportunities allow within international relations. Theforging of a new international political system–benefiting from the contributions of formerlymarginalized states–provides the opportunity for increased and flexible cooperation between states of all (power) sizes. In so doing, effective coordination and cooperation becomes animportant power driver, of which all states can create and apply.