https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/121479 2026-04-14T10:16:38Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/121717 Title: Editorial : security challenges of small states Authors: Pawiński, Michał; Seepersad, Randy; Montoute, Annita Abstract: This guest editorial introduction reviews the rationale and contents of the special section on security challenges to small states. These face unique security threats because they are more susceptible to systemic instabilities, whether economic, political, or social. The literature on small states' security is growing; but it is often overshadowed by their geopolitical landscape. The authors in this special issue examine various challenges surrounding small states, including the role of smallness in conflict environments, migratory trends, human trafficking, youth delinquency, and economic security. Overall, this special section underscores the unique security challenges faced by small states and emphasizes the need for more comprehensive research that takes into account the diverse experiences and perspectives of small states from different parts of the world. 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/121727 Title: Bound to lose? The usage of smallness in the strategic narratives of smaller states during armed conflict Authors: Szalai, Máté Abstract: This paper examines how smaller states use their smallness in their strategic narratives during armed conflicts fought with a bigger power. The analysis mainly focuses on two questions: whether these jurisdictions project themselves as small states on the international level, and whether they offer an interpretation of the conflict in which size difference is identified as a major factor. Comparing the speeches delivered in the United Nations by Kuwait during the Iraqi invasion (1990-1991), Armenia during the second Nagorno-Karabakh conflict (2020-2021), and Ukraine after the Russian attack (2022-2023), the research concludes that smaller countries can use their smallness with three specific objectives – gathering support, gaining sympathy, and deflecting responsibility – although the strategy is not automatic. While the representatives of Kuwait and Ukraine referred to their small size often, the diplomats of Armenia avoided such narratives. The variation between the three cases suggests that instead of absolute or relative size, the size difference between the belligerents, the selected target audience, and the timing of the conflicts have a stronger explanatory value. 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/121728 Title: Prosecuting human trafficking cases in Trinidad and Tobago : challenges and solutions in a small island state Authors: Wheeler, Alana L. Abstract: There is minimal academic research and analysis on human trafficking in the Caribbean and almost none on Trinidad and Tobago. Although global reports list all states as having low prosecution and conviction rates, there is very little publicly available empirical research on the challenges faced by small states, in particular, the Caribbean, on the prosecution of human trafficking cases. This paper reviews the prosecution of human trafficking cases in the small island state of Trinidad and Tobago for the period 2013-2022 and offer solutions to the many challenges faced by such small island states. A mixed method approach is applied, using the convergent design where data types are analysed simultaneously, followed by an integrated analysis with separate discussions of the quantitative and qualitative findings. Recommendations are made based on best practices adopted by other states and international relations theories. 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/121731 Title: Smallness and security : territorial exclusion and opportunistic inclusion Authors: Vella, Mary Grace; Mintoff, Yana Abstract: Smallness and islandness suggest vulnerability and deficiency of resources. The so-called migration ‘crisis’ meets both these concerns. Yet, as the small island state of Malta prides itself on its resilience and altruism, within a context of exceptional economic growth and notable employment rates, it fails to realise even its basic international obligations. This paper analyses the issue of Malta’s recent securitisation of asylum-seeking migration through the lens of class and race. The securitisation of migration profits the corporate and political elite, who benefit from exploitative work, reinforcing Malta’s national and European influence, whilst enlarging its receipt of migration funds, and deploying illegalised migrants as scapegoats. The paper argues that the current security approach is both contradictory and unsustainable and has contributed to increased inequalities, injustices and exploitation. For refugees, ‘security’ policies of increased deterrence, pushbacks and incarceration have directly increased uncertainty, institutionalized racism and loss of life as their dehumanization spirals into three other sectors of socio-economic life: criminal justice, health and occupational accidents. This paper uses an emancipatory and transformative justice framework to examine the discourses in contrast with the realities on the ground; it offers critical insights into Malta’s use of territorial exclusion and opportunistic inclusion in the management of migration. 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z