Description
Despite the growing leverage and importance of small states in international relations, global politics remained to be shaped dominantly by great powers. Despite the emergence of international law, the creation of the UN system, and the institutionalisation of world politics, states with limited resources remained to be secondary (or, even, tertiary) actors in formal and informal decision-making. Nevertheless, the better representation of small states in global discussions and international fora, would not only benefit themselves but, arguably, the whole international community - for systemic and political reasons, small states became the champions of transnational causes, including sustainability, green transition, or the further integration of international relations on the global and regional levels alike.
The aim of the paper is to assess the influence and the political situation of small states in various UN bodies and analyse the main initiatives and possibilities which could enlarge their potential. The research will be put in the context of intensifying global power rivalry which threatens with a renewed neglect of small states, especially in the developing world. The investigation will also focus on the possible effects of the growing role of small states on key transnational issues and ongoing crises.
