Non-Western small states: activists or survivors?. Issue 1 (2nd January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gibert, Marie V.; Grzelczyk, Virginie
• Is Part Of: Third world thematics. Volume 1:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 8
• Publication Date: 2016-01-02
• Subjects: Small states -- activist states -- non-Western -- agency -- international relations; Developing countries -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; Globalization -- Periodicals; 338.90091724
• DOI: Https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/23802014.2016.1231012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2379-9978

Abstract

Abstract: In this introduction to the collection, we explain its focus on non-Western small states. While the terms 'non-Western' and 'small states' are problematic – we discuss these problems here – the smallness and non-Westerness of the states studied by the contributing authors set them apart in a way that has attracted little academic attention so far. They allow them to operate with fewer normative and practical constraints than their bigger, Western counterparts; offer them a wide range of (often historically forged) political ties; and force them to draw on a diversity of approaches and strategic thinking, and a creativity, that they are too rarely credited for. Non-Western small states, rather than being mere survivors constrained to the world's periphery, are better understood as activist states intent on existing. The collection offers a range of analytical keys to make sense of these states and their role in the international scene.