Abstract
Confronting serious security challenges from powerful aggressors is difficult for small states. By definition, such states are limited in their ability t o build sizable and well-equipped military machines.' Consequently, small states augment their military capability by allying themselves with other countries. This is known as 'external balancing' - mobilization of other countries' resources in confronting external thream2 Alliances, however, can constrain a state's freedom of action. In many cases, a small state's maneuvering room is also constricted by the prevailing structure of the international system and a given regional subsystem. This is particularly true of small states subject to a great power sphere of influence, or situated in an area of competition between great powers. In short, small states have little leeway; their military and diplomatic margin is thin.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | A Restless Mind |
Subtitle of host publication | Essays in Honor of Amos Perlmutter |
Publisher | Taylor and Francis |
Pages | 80-103 |
Number of pages | 24 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781135241780 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781138985322 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1 Jan 2013 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© Daniel Pipes.