Deriving a new theory of shelter-seeking behavior from the case of Iceland, this innovative book contributes greatly to our knowledge of how the strategies of small states help shape the spheres of influence of large states. To understand the power of the large and strong we must understand the agility of the small and weak.
Peter J. Katzenstein, Walter C. Carpenter Jr. Professor of International Studies, Cornell University, USA
This book is a must-read for scholars and practitioners interested in small states in international relations. The authors demonstrate conceptually and empirically how smaller states can benefit from bigger state shelters and reflect upon current challenges and opportunities.
Diana Panke, Professor for Political Science at the University of Freiburg and holder of the chair in Multilevel Governance, Germany
Small states depend considerably on what happens beyond their shores. Given this predicament, they leverage protection from the same exogenous environment that threatens their survival and prosperity. By using Iceland to exemplify the use of shelter theory, this book offers powerful insights into the behaviour of small states in the international system.
Godfrey Baldacchino, Pro-Rector and Professor of Sociology, University of Malta, Malta
Small States and Shelter Theory
Small states are dependent on the economic, political, and societal shelter provided by larger states and international organizations to survive and prosper.
Iceland provides an ideal case study for shelter theory, due both to its smallness as compared with its larger neighbouring states, as well as its status as both an entity and then as a state. That Iceland has historically been so isolated, relative to other small European states, also makes it easier to trace the countrys interactions with other actors, since the impact of each interaction can be measured more definitively thus broadening the theorys validity and offering new insights into its operations. The contributors to this volume focus on the extent of Icelands external engagement with other states and the domestic consequences of this interaction. Societal shelter, in terms of transfer of norms and values, is as of much importance as economic and political shelter. By unpacking the structure of Icelands external relations, this book demonstrates both the size-related disadvantages and the unique needs of small states to evaluate, explain, and predict small state behaviour.
This book will be of interest to all scholars in international relations, especially those interested in small state behaviour.
Baldur Thorhallsson is Professor at the Faculty of Political Science at the University of Iceland. He is also Jean Monnet Chair in European Studies and Programme and Research Director at the Centre for Small States at the University. His research focus is primarily on small state studies, European integration and Icelands foreign policy. He has published extensively in international journals. He has contributed to several academic books and written two books on small states in Europe.
The New International Relations
Edited by Richard Little
University of Bristol
Iver B. Neumann
Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI), Norway
and Jutta Weldes
University of Bristol
The field of international relations has changed dramatically in recent years. This new series will cover the major issues that have emerged and reflect the latest academic thinking in this particular dynamic area.
Great Power Multilateralism and the Prevention of War
Debating a 21st Century Concert of Powers
Edited by Harald Mller and Carsten Rauch
De-Constructing the Dynamics of World-Societal Order
The Power of Governmentality in Palestine
Jan Busse
Raymond Aron and International Relations
Edited by Olivier Schmitt
Coercive Sanctions and International Conflicts
A Sociological Theory
Mark Daniel Jaeger
Security, Defense Discourse and Identity in NATO and Europe
How France Changed Foreign Policy
Falk Ostermann
Special Relationships in World Politics
Inter-state Friendship and Diplomacy after the Second World War
Kristin Haugevik
Kinship in International Relations
Edited by Kristin Haugevik and Iver B. Neumann
Small States and Shelter Theory
Icelands External Affairs
Edited by Baldur Thorhallsson
Small States and Shelter Theory
Icelands External Affairs
Edited by Baldur Thorhallsson
First published 2019
by Routledge
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and by Routledge
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2019 selection and editorial matter, Baldur Thorhallsson; individual chapters, the contributors
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British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library
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A catalog record has been requested for this book
ISBN: 978-1-138-61537-3 (hbk)
ISBN: 978-0-429-46316-7 (ebk)
Typeset in Times New Roman
by Wearset Ltd, Boldon, Tyne and Wear
For Felix, who continues to encourage me to look beyond borders.
Contents
Daniel J. Devine is a PhD candidate at the Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Southampton. He was a visiting researcher at the University of Iceland in 2014.
Christine Ingebritsen is Professor of Scandinavian Studies at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington and Director of the Center for West European Studies in the Henry Jackson School of International Studies.
Thorsteinn Kristinsson is a PhD candidate at the Department of Political Science, Lund University.
Sverrir Steinsson is a researcher and instructor at the Faculty of Political Science, University of Iceland.
Baldur Thorhallsson is Professor at the Faculty of Political Science, University of Iceland. He is also the Jean Monnet Chair in European Studies and Programme and Research Director at the Centre for Small States at the University.
Anders Wivel is a Professor at the Department of Political Science, University of Copenhagen.
