ABSTRACT
The process of decolonization and the recent fragmentation of some larger states have been responsible for the rapid increase in the number of sovereign small states in the global economy. Further, greater devolution of decision-making to increasingly smaller entities has occurred simultaneously with accelerating globalization and the emergence of supra-national regional trade blocs. Paradoxically, the increasing internationalization of economic activity has, therefore, been parallel to growing self-determination, including that of many sub-national regions. The growing number of small entities in the global economy has generated increased interest in explanations for their growth success, particularly given the additional challenges of small size and the globalization process.
