Routledge Small States and Shelter Theory: Iceland’s External Affairs (New International Relations)

Small states are dependent on the economic, political, and societal shelter provided by larger states and international organizations to survive and prosper. Iceland provides an ideal case study for shelter theory, due both to its smallness as compared with its larger neighbouring states, as well as its status as both an entity and then as a state. That Iceland has historically been so isolated, relative to other small European states, also makes it easier to trace the country’s interactions with other actors, since the impact of each interaction can be measured more definitively thus broadening the theory’s validity and offering new insights into its operations. The contributors to this volume focus on the extent of Iceland’s external engagement with other states and the domestic consequences of this interaction. Societal shelter, in terms of transfer of norms and values, is as of much importance as economic and political shelter. By unpacking the structure of Iceland’s external relations, this book demonstrates both the size-related disadvantages and the unique needs of small states to evaluate, explain, and predict small state behaviour. This book will be of interest to all scholars in international relations, especially those interested in small state behaviour. Review ‘Deriving a new theory of shelter-seeking behavior from the case of Iceland, this innovative book contributes greatly to our knowledge of how the strategies of small states help shape the spheres of influence of large states. To understand the power of the large and strong we must understand the agility of the small and weak.’ - Peter J. Katzenstein, Walter C. Carpenter Jr. Professor of International Studies, Cornell University, USA. ‘This book is a must-read for scholars and practitioners interested in small states in international relations. The authors demonstrate conceptually and empirically how smaller states can benefit from bigger state shelters and reflect upon current challenges and opportunities.’ - Diana Panke, Professor for Political Science at the University of Freiburg and holder of the chair in Multilevel Governance, Germany. ‘Small states depend considerably on what happens beyond their shores. Given this predicament, they leverage protection from the same exogenous environment that threatens their survival and prosperity. By using Iceland to exemplify the use of shelter theory, this book offers powerful insights into the behaviour of small states in the international system.’ - Godfrey Baldacchino, Pro-Rector and Professor of Sociology, University of Malta, Malta. About the Author Baldur Thorhallsson is Professor at the Faculty of Political Science at the University of Iceland. He is also Jean Monnet Chair in European Studies and Programme and Research Director at the Centre for Small States at the University. His research focus is primarily on small state studies, European integration and Iceland's foreign policy. He has published extensively in international journals. He has contributed to several academic books and written two books on small states in Europe.