The Problematics of Defining Small States

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Because of their vulnerability and objective weakness in relation to the other, larger states, small states advocate international relations based on multilateralism and the equality of all subjects. The possibility of establishing and exploiting the exclusive economic zones, that cover millions of square kilometers in the world oceans, has increased the importance of small states. Small island states have common socio-economic attributes that evolve from their island character and great distances between the islands or archipelagos that belong to one state, especially in Oceania. Through the development of international trade, financial transactions and the development of tourism on the global level, small island states have managed to improve their economic position in the world. However, they remain very dependent on fluctuations on the markets and world economic flows, much more than large states. Besides these socio-economic weaknesses, small island states possess weaknesses that arise from their natural basis, which make them very vulnerable to ecological risks.

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