Small power
As a small state is called a state whose territory and / or population is perceived in comparison with other countries as small and therefore has a very low in international comparison, economic or military weight.
Description
The term comes from the colloquial language. It was initially used to highlight the lack of influence or political dependence of a state towards a neighboring great power. Often this is a criticism or discrimination (cf. particularism in Germany ). Therefore, small state is also considered a synonym for dwarf state. The meaning is, however, not uniform regionally and is subject to change.
In Switzerland, the concept of the small state is part of the national self-image. In this context, it is usually positively associated with external neutrality, comfort, and clarity of grassroots direct democracy.
The German constitutional lawyer Karl Heinrich Friauf stated that the make-up room " significant developments in its beginning just smaller states " can take.
Whether a country is seen as a small State, Central State, or great power, can not always be clearly decided. The result often depends on what other states it is being compared. In international law, but also plays no essential role. According to the principle of equality of states, as it is enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, small states have the same rights as their larger neighbors.
Advantages and disadvantages of small states from an economic perspective
As economic advantage of small states applies the flat management structure and good local coordination of public administration. Also, is often stressed that the economy of small states could not cover the entire width of the sectors and this should therefore specialize. This specialization should lead to a high level of integration into the world economy, which is regarded by some economists as an advantage. The disadvantage is that this high level of specialization and world market dependence could lead to high vulnerability to global economic shocks.