Relativistic conceptualization of small states via composite indicator of national capability and neighborhood: spatial statistical analysis

Small states constitute a special analytical category in political science, political geography and the theory of international relations, even though the term is not universally agreed-upon, and its conceptualization depends on the aim of a particular study. Broadly speaking, small states are those countries that lack various kinds of resources and occupy a peripheral position in the system of international relations. There are many ways to conceptualize small states that take into account both quantitative and qualitative criteria, but it is with the relativistic approach that the context of the relationship between states and their dyadic links within the framework of the system of international relations is taken into account. Spatial statistical analysis and the factor of the neighborhood enable a relativistic conceptualization of small states more objectively and universally, since they take into account all dyadic connections between neighboring states. To achieve the aim of the study, composite indicator of national capability demonstrating “hard power” and spatial lag are employed to determine the range of states potentially experiencing significant influence from their immediate neighbors. The main limitations of the study is omittance of isolated island states that do not have immediate neighbors, whose potential influence is different, as well as lack of “soft power” factors, with the help of which small states occupy a certain niche in international relations. Such a method of conceptualization allows scholars to take a fresh look at the term «small states» for further research of this analytical category.

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