| This paper examines the critical relationship between the great powers and small islands in a geopolitical context. The paper introduces a theory, namely, Small Island suction effect, and asserts that this geopolitical theory is a special dynamic that can exist between small islands and the great powers. For this suction effect to take place it is necessary for a small island to contain at least one of five identifiable components of interest that are magnetic vis-a-vis great powers. The five components of interest to great powers in relation to small islands are geopolitical position, weakness and small size, great power competition, prized resources, prestige and honour. The overall purpose of this paper is to attempt to prove that small island suction effect does in fact exist in the international system. To help prove this theory's existence we use history as our backdrop and draw on empirical evidence and sound argumentation in conjunction with the political theory of Realism, all to facilitate this process of theory substantiation. We examine five different great power systems that encompass all the different types; small island suction effect is evident in unipolar, bipolar, and multipolar systems. The genesis point in great power systems history is 1660 and the end point is the present day. Many different geopolitical theatres are explored in an effort to demonstrate this theory's near geographic universality. This geopolitical theory is most active in a multipolar system and less active in a unipolar and bipolar system. The component of interest that most often triggers this suction effect is geopolitical position be it for defensive or offensive purposes in relation to the great powers. Furthermore, Sir John Halford Mackinder's Heartland Theory is refined placing an emphasis on great powers competing for or being sucked in to small islands rather than just the World-Island. |
