Opportunities and limitations of the exercise of foreign policy power by a very small state: the case of Trinidad and Tobago

Abstract

The idea that a microstate such as Trinidad and Tobago can possess and use 'power,' a trait generally associated with a high level of military and economic capability, would appear to a traditional realist to be absurd. This is largely because power is still seen as exercised at the global systemic level or at regional levels that are globally significant. However, small states generally focus their foreign policies on smaller circles, primarily neighbours and dominant bilateral partners. By moving the power analysis (back) to the state (foreign policy) level, extending the definition of 'power' to include status ('position') and actual attempts to get others to adopt an influencer's preferences, and employing the newer views of power as soft and smart, this article argues that even very small states can exercise power within limited domains as long as they possess certain capabilities (in this case, energy resources) and are ready to seize available opportunities. The evidence shows, however, that the results of these attempts are still mixed, limited primarily by perceptual constraints on the part of both the small-state influencer and the target influencee.

Examining the “Natural Resource Curse” and the Impact of Various Forms of Capital in Small Tourism and Natural Resource Dependent Economies

“…It should also be noted that the prices of iron ore do not fluctuate negatively as the price of crude oil, as from 1986 to 2008 the price of iron ore has remained mostly stable with only two significant positive fluctuations in 2004 and 2008 [31]. As was previously emphasized, these economies do not have a strong position in determining the price and negotiating, which overall conforms to the conclusions of Braveboy-Wagner [32].…”

Examining the "Natural Resource Curse" and the Impact of Various Forms of Capital in Small Tourism and Natural Resource-Dependent Economies

“…It should also be noted that the prices of iron ore do not fluctuate negatively as the price of crude oil, as from 1986 to 2008 the price of iron ore has remained mostly stable with only two significant positive fluctuations in 2004 and 2008 [38]. As was previously emphasized, these economies do not have a strong position in determining the price and negotiating, which overall conforms to the conclusions of Braveboy-Wagner (2010 [39]). …”

Entrepreneurial states: A conceptual overview

“…Braveboy-Wagner, for instance, notes that CARICOM countries have attracted international respect because of their consistent democratic record. 46 We need to know more about what assets are relevant in which circumstances. Does military power play any role?…”