How do small states influence international security?

What is it about?

How do small states influence international security? This article illustrates how small states may influence multilateral decisions on hard security issues by acting as norm entrepreneurs, lobbyists and honest brokers. A comprehensive case study of the Danish attempt to influence the international counter-piracy agenda shows the opportunities as well as the challenges of small states devising a strategy to maximize influence in the context of great power interests.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

The article shows that small states can influence multilateral decisions on international security by combining norm entrepreneurship with lobbying and taking on the role as an “honest broker”. However, economic capacity, an effective state administration, and interests compatible with the agendas of the great powers are key to success.