ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on the role of small states in international negotiations. It defines small states as states that have less than average political power. It also focuses on the day-to-day negotiations within the European Union (EU), in which member states can gain influence over EU policies through the Council of Ministers. It then shows that active participation is essential for negotiation success. The book argues that small states have fewer resources to actively participate in EU negotiations through argumentative- or bargaining-based policy-shaping strategies. It describes the states of the latest accession rounds and puts them in a comparative perspective with all other small states. It shows that small states are not a homogenous group within the EU. Finally the book presents results of a comprehensive survey on activities of states in EU negotiations.
