The power (politics) of the weak revisited: Realism and the study of small-state foreign policy
Publikation: Bidrag til bog/antologi/rapport › Bidrag til bog/antologi › Forskning › fagfællebedømt
Standard
The power (politics) of the weak revisited : Realism and the study of small-state foreign policy. / Pedi, Revecca; Wivel, Anders.
Agency, Security and Governance of Small States: A Global Perspective. red. / Thomas Kolnberger; Harlan Koff. Abingdon : Routledge, 2023. s. 13-28 (Small State Studies).Publikation: Bidrag til bog/antologi/rapport › Bidrag til bog/antologi › Forskning › fagfællebedømt
Harvard
APA
Vancouver
Author
Bibtex
}
RIS
TY - CHAP
T1 - The power (politics) of the weak revisited
T2 - Realism and the study of small-state foreign policy
AU - Pedi, Revecca
AU - Wivel, Anders
PY - 2023
Y1 - 2023
N2 - This chapter argues that realism offers important insights for the study of small states. By looking into four iconic realist works, we show that the popular view that small states defy realist expectations because these states can ‘punch above their weight’ is mistaken. Realists do not dismiss the ability of lesser powers to overachieve under certain systemic or state-specific circumstance. In contrast, realists specify how small states can overachieve under certain systemic or state-specific circumstances such as intense competition among great powers, possession of assets of value to great powers, national morale and character, high-quality diplomacy and a good reputation. Our argument proceeds in three steps. First, we map current debates in the study of small states in international affairs identifying central positions and lacunas in the literature. Second, we present a reading of iconic realist works showing how they help us to fill the lacunae of current debates. Finally, we conclude the paper with a discussion of implications for the study of small states and international relations.
AB - This chapter argues that realism offers important insights for the study of small states. By looking into four iconic realist works, we show that the popular view that small states defy realist expectations because these states can ‘punch above their weight’ is mistaken. Realists do not dismiss the ability of lesser powers to overachieve under certain systemic or state-specific circumstance. In contrast, realists specify how small states can overachieve under certain systemic or state-specific circumstances such as intense competition among great powers, possession of assets of value to great powers, national morale and character, high-quality diplomacy and a good reputation. Our argument proceeds in three steps. First, we map current debates in the study of small states in international affairs identifying central positions and lacunas in the literature. Second, we present a reading of iconic realist works showing how they help us to fill the lacunae of current debates. Finally, we conclude the paper with a discussion of implications for the study of small states and international relations.
KW - Det Samfundsvidenskabelige Fakultet
KW - small state
KW - Realism
KW - foreign policy
KW - international security
KW - International Relations theory
UR - https://www.routledge.com/Agency-Security-and-Governance-of-Small-States-A-Global-Perspective/Kolnberger-Koff/p/book/9781032410487
U2 - 10.4324/9781003356011
DO - 10.4324/9781003356011
M3 - Bidrag til bog/antologi
SN - 9781032410487
SN - 9781032410555
T3 - Small State Studies
SP - 13
EP - 28
BT - Agency, Security and Governance of Small States
A2 - Kolnberger, Thomas
A2 - Koff, Harlan
PB - Routledge
CY - Abingdon
ER -
ID: 370217626