Small States Security 

Reflecting on the course “Small States Security,” I found it fascinating to explore the evolving role of small states on an international scale. The course offered a journey from the post-World War II era, showcasing the constraints small states faced in policy choices, to the contemporary landscape where these nations have emerged as influential global players. Throughout the course, we delved into various aspects such as small states as foreign policy actors, their utilization of national resources, involvement in security alliances, and relationships with regional/multilateral organizations. A particular theme that intrigued me was the exploration of small states as foreign policy actors. Investigating how small states navigate the complexities of international relations, develop ambitious foreign policy programs, and emerge as leaders provided valuable insights. For instance, during group scenario tasks, we examined Kuwait as a small state actor in the region and internationally. Analyzing how Kuwait managed to overcome challenges such as the invasion of Iraq and the stock market crash through strategies like leveraging Sovereign Wealth Funds was enlightening. This prompted me to consider the agency of small states in shaping global dynamics and challenging misconceptions about their limitations. We also focused on the Blockade and Qatar’s strategic approach in confronting this challenge given that it is a small state attacked by larger neighbors. It emphasized the crucial roles of maintaining a strong foreign policy, promoting economic diversification, and forging strategic alliances, in order to adapt to any future conflicts. Overall, the course provided engaging opportunities to immerse ourselves in practical scenarios, allowing us to step into the roles of countries and respond to various situations. This hands-on approach enhanced our understanding of the course by providing practical insights into how nations address challenges in real-world scenarios.