[Book Review] The small states club : how small states can save the world

Abstract

In his intriguing book, Armen Sarkissian discusses how small states manage to stay afloat in a globalised economic setting and “succeed”. Which states qualify as small or what success actually means is not well defined. Sarkissian presents ten studies of small states, including that of his native Armenia, many reflecting his own experiences with their leaders and decision-makers. In size, by way of population, they range from 1.3 million (Estonia) to 11.3 million (Jordan). By way of area, the spread is from 736 km2 (Singapore) to 582,000 km2 (Botswana). Within this wide spectrum, a majority of the UN’s members could be accomodated. The cases assembled in The small states club are not all “success” stories, which perhaps includes the author’s own country. In the history of all nation states, there are ups and downs. Today’s success can in a decade or two have turned into deep disaster. The book makes the point that successful small states should consider themselves as having much to contribute to world affairs not least by becoming part of a club in which to share ideas and projects and to cooperate in policy making.