ABSTRACT

This chapter outlines some of the strategies and constraints the Faroes face in their endeavours. It analyses Faroese foreign policy from a hierarchy versus network perspective. The Faroes have used traditional hierarchichal structures to establish representations in Europe and have, in some cases, then moved on to establish expanded international networks. These networks leverage openings created by formal ties and can help to establish entirely new and important relationships. The survey showed that the Faroese top politicians are somewhat more active in cross-border contacts compared to other Nordic regional and urban politicians. Hierarchy is a formal way of organizing relations and cooperation between organizations, individuals, groups or institutions in a ranked or graded order. Regional and microstate governments are challenged by the extent to which they possess the formal authority to organize intergovernmental and international networks, as well as their ability and capacity to utilize the opportunities within such networks.