ABSTRACT
The small states have been largely absent in the International Relations (IR). There is elusive or ambiguous understanding of smallness in a state. This chapter argues that current ways of understanding small states are limited and contends for more nuanced ways of studying small states. It suggests that how “small” a state can be relationally vastly depends on the context. This chapter proposes that domestic factors and the state’s own agency should be considered when studying small states. It highlights about the continuous survival of small states in the changing global scenario. It also discusses the geopolitical vulnerabilities of the small states in this century as well as the resilience that small states have adopted. Notably, it introduces South Asian small states and their unique characteristics to show how smallness can be regionally specific. Overall, the text argues for a more composite understanding of small states in IRs. It highlights the need to consider both internal and external factors, and the agency of small states themselves.
