Abstract:
This study aims at advancing theoretical understanding of the role of small island
developing states (SIDS) in contemporary international relations (IR). It does this by
examining their interaction between, participation in, and contribution to, IR within
the framework of the UN. The literature on small states in IR was reviewed, in order
to develop a conceptual framework for critiquing the small states paradigm, which is
based on realist theory. This paradigm views the role of small states in IR as
determined by inherent internal factors (physical size and capacity to act) and
prescribes them as being insignificant and passive actors in IR.
Contrary to the small states paradigm, a review of literature showed SIDS to be highly
visible and proactive in IR in recent times. Thus, the research question the thesis
pursued was: How can the small states paradigm in JR be strengthened to better
explain the rising importance of the role of SIDS in contemporary JR? The literature
review also suggested a proposition for testing empirical research: that external
factors outside states are facilitative of the proactive and contributory behaviour of
small states in JR.
Two case studies of the role of SIDS in UN negotiations were selected to assess the
extent to which they may have been influential on outcomes: Law of the Sea and
Climate Change. The role SIDS played in the negotiations for each case was explored
through analysis of relevant documents and interviews with diplomatic and resource
persons from a selection of participating SIDS.
Results strongly suggest that external factors are instrumental in facilitating proactive
and influential behaviour of SIDS in these two UN negotiations. The key external
factors numbered 18 and were grouped into the following dimensions: developments,
events, trends, issues, circumstances and actors.
These results call for revising the small states paradigm, so that it includes external
factors as explanatory variables for the proactive and contributory behaviour of smallstates. Thus, external factors were added to the paradigm as open-sky dimensions
which, unlike closed-ground dimensions (internal factors), are dynamic, flexible,
optimistic and open elements (like the sky), and thus provide far wider potential or
opportunities for small states in IR.
