Foreign policy dimensions of very small states in their quest for economic development.
Item
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Title
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Foreign policy dimensions of very small states in their quest for economic development.
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Identifier
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AAI9732974
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identifier
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9732974
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Creator
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St Aimee, Donatus.
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Contributor
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Adviser: Howard H. Lentner
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Date
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1997
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Political Science, International Law and Relations | Political Science, General | Political Science, Public Administration
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Abstract
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A recent phenomenon of the international system is the appearance of very small independent states interacting with the traditional larger states. This brings in a new dimension to international relations and negotiations and world order.;For the most part these states are relatively poor, militarily weak, have small administrative structures, and heavily dependent on grants for their development. This results in dependence on one or few large states which, it is suggested, shapes their behavior in foreign policy.;Present analytical tools of systems theory, interdependence, power politics, bureaucratic politics do not adequately explain the behavior of these states in the international system. The literature has concentrated on size as a major factor affecting foreign policy without consideration of internal dynamics of states.;It is suggested here that given the extent of dependence on aid, the goals and objectives of leaders within an aid dependent framework is a more important factor shaping foreign policy considerations in these very small states.;To test this hypothesis the foreign policies of two very small states in the Caribbean, Grenada and Saint Lucia, were selected for analysis employing the Case Study method. Six major actions were analyzed in terms of policy making and policy implementation. The findings of the case studies were also examined vis-a-vis earlier works and conclusions on small states.;The analysis showed that in general foreign policy is made at the highest political level with limited bureaucratic imputs; that the attitude of that individual will determine policy choices and decisions without significant inputs from interest groups and parliament; that the policy is designed to satisfy demands of the major benefactor or donor and may include vote trading in international fora. Other behavior not associated with aid seeking was also evident but were primarily on issues of lesser importance to the very small state and the donor states.;Given the above, a middle range framework is proposed, that is: analysis of the goals and expectations of political leaders and how they achieve those goals. Such an approach appears to better explain their behavior and foreign policy.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
