The new world order, which may be viewed as a transitional stage toward either a multipolar world or a fragmented international system, is characterized by the weakening of the liberal global order. Intensifying competition among major powers, such as the United States and China, Russia and the West, as well as the crisis of multilateral institutions and the growing trend toward regionalization, have become defining features of the current international environment. For small states, this transition entails both significant risks and certain opportunities.
Small states are defined as “small polities with relatively modest external dimensions of sovereignty”; moreover, “the agenda of these polities is narrowed, allowing them to conserve resources by relying on external support from mega- and macro-states, as well as international organizations, in addressing their challenges.” However, “if they distance themselves excessively from major powers, they risk falling into the category of pariah states” [1]. Small states “follow a distinct logic in choosing foreign policy actions,” are characterized by “asymmetrical relations with great powers,” and develop specific strategies pursued by national elites [2].
This definition does not apply to certain states that are geographically small but highly successful economically and politically, such as Switzerland. As is well known, Switzerland was surrounded by hostile forces during the Second World War, yet consistently sought to maintain the highest possible degree of independence. Its “sovereignty has been a high priority for centuries”; Switzerland continues to issue its own currency rather than adopting the euro and remains outside the European Union despite being located at the geographical heart of Europe [3, p. 51-63].
It is generally believed that small states can compensate for the disadvantages associated with their status “through measures aimed at utilizing their advantages and neutralizing their weaknesses.” To achieve this, such states require sound economic policies, the development of diversified middle-income economies, regional integration and cooperation to create larger markets, and engagement with international organizations capable of providing technical assistance and reform support tailored to their specific needs [4]. Overall, strengthening state institutions remains the most important prerequisite for establishing a more stable and governable order both globally and regionally.
Given the limited or complete absence of significant resources for promoting their interests in international affairs, diplomacy becomes the principal instrument available to small states. Diplomacy can be effective when it places at the forefront a common agenda that is shared by all participants, even if that agenda is relatively limited in scope.
The most effective mechanism through which small states can contribute to sustainable global governance is the formation of coalitions based either on territorial proximity or on shared policy concerns [6, p. 319-339]. For post-Soviet states, cooperation within frameworks such as the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) may serve as practical instruments for achieving these objectives, provided that due respect is maintained for the central coordinating role of the United Nations [13].
“Small states must have powerful friends.” This creates the challenge of “multidimensional loyalty,” whereby states are compelled to balance their positions toward the United States, the European Union, and Russia. The foreign policy of small states generally operates along three vectors: (a) major powers with which they seek cooperation; (b) large international organizations whose support promises tangible financial and economic benefits; and (c) neighboring states with which mutually beneficial relations can be developed [7, 14]. By skillfully managing this “dual loyalty,” small states may take advantage of changing international political circumstances [8, p. 48-56].
The United Nations remains the “largest and most reliable” friend of small states. Among the UN’s priority tasks are combating international terrorism, political and religious extremism, and strengthening international security. Additional priorities include suppressing the illicit production and trafficking of narcotics, addressing environmental disasters, overcoming chronic shortages of drinking water, and combating large-scale deadly epidemics.
Another important priority is the joint improvement of international governance mechanisms for migration processes.
Cooperation aimed at ensuring the sustainable governance of global development must be pursued simultaneously in the political, trade-economic, and financial spheres at the global, regional, and national levels.
It is difficult to disagree with scholars who express doubts regarding the possibility of achieving optimal governance of the world system. As one study notes, “precise governance is possible only when it is known which factors and processes are decisive and which are insignificant, not only at present but also in the future; otherwise, a governance program may fail to maximize desired outcomes and instead worsen the situation. Unfortunately, due to rapid changes in the world, such governance cannot guarantee the stability of the system” [9, p. 324-345; 12, p. 388-390].
Furthermore, every state possesses the right to pursue its own path of development and should be able to determine its foreign policy freely and independently in accordance with the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. Attempts to impose one’s own system of values or interfere in the internal affairs of other states risk leading to chaos and ungovernability in international relations.
The diplomacy of small states is the art of transforming weakness into strength. Their core competencies lie in agenda-setting, coalition-building, normative leadership, and policy coordination. Their role in the process of power transition consists in ensuring the inclusiveness and accessibility of global institutions.
