Small States as Role Models and Norm-setters

Abstract

International Relations (IR)-theorists argue that state’s power is built on its geographical size, its population size, and economic status. According to this view small states lack power in international relations (Goetschel, 1998). This paper challenges this view and points out various cognitive power resources, influenced by leadership theorists, which can be of great advantage to small states. Cognitive resources are by definition qualitative resources such as negotiating skills, expertise knowledge, ideas, example-setting, norm setting and mediation, in contrast to quantitative power resources, such as financial strength and number of votes (Peterson and Bomberg, 1999). A key element associated with the use of cognitive resources is the ability to persuade others of the rightfulness of your own way, by using variety of reasons such as technical knowledge, emphasis on moral principles and/or by setting good examples (Malnes, 1995; see also e.g. Ingebritsen, 2002; Kronsell, 2002) In this paper it is claimed that small states have been known, (and can), take the lead in certain policy areas in order to make their voice heard, if they already have an established image as experts, norm-setters, role models or mediators, in the policy areas in question. This leads us to the main hypothesis which can be summarized as follows: Small states can take the lead and increase their influences in certain policy areas of concern to them by using “cognitive power resources” such as expertise knowledge, norm setting, example-setting or mediation.