Small island states and territories : vulnerable, resilient, but also doggedly perseverant and cleverly opportunistic [Editorial introduction]

Abstract

This introduction frames this volume in the context of the unfolding literature about small island states and territories: “small” here meaning having resident populations of up to 1 million. This collection argues for a more optimistic ontology of the small island state and territory: one that departs from an acknowledgement of a savvy, smart, and entrepreneurial resident population and institutions and government that nimbly exploit the opportunities provided by small size and islandness, as and when they may arise. The “more” is an important signifier here. It would be rash and irresponsible to discount the many ways in which most states and territories navigate a world in which they must willy-nilly either accept decisions taken elsewhere and/or bear the brute force of natural or economic events that can have catastrophic consequences. However, the literature has been driven so much by such considerations of economic and environmental vulnerability that even increasingly more proactive talk of resilience and capacity building departs from the structural doom and gloom of given handicaps. For a change, and hopefully a welcome change, this volume will stand out by bucking this trend. Here, islandness and smallness, along with the often associated attributes of remoteness and peripherality, will be shown to serve also as opportunities, qualities that permit some island-based businesses to emerge, thrive, and survive.