The Politics of Smallness in Modern Europe: Size, Identity and International Relations since 1800

The Politics of Smallness in Modern Europe explores the construction of different size-based hierarchies in Europe and the way Europeans have thought about their own and their continental neighbors' states size since the early 19th century. It suggests that ideas about size are intimately connected with a state's identity and policy discourses, and presents a novel way of thinking about what makes one state different from others.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 19 October 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Politics of Smallness in Modern Europe is a groundbreaking exploration of the construction of different size-based hierarchies in Europe and the way Europeans have thought about their own states size and that of their continental neighbors since the early 19th century. By positing that ideas about size are intimately connected with both basic discourses about a states identity and policy discourses about the range of options most appropriate to that state, this multi-contributor volume presents a novel way of thinking about what makes one state, in the eyes of both its own inhabitants and those of others, different from others, and what effects these perceived differences have had, and continue to have, on domestic, European, and global politics.

Bringing together an international team of historians and political scientists, this nuanced and sophisticated study examines the connections between shifting ideas about a states (relative) size, competing notions of national interest and mission, and international policy in modern Europe and beyond.

The book delves into the historical roots of the concept of smallness in Europe, tracing its evolution from ancient times to the present. It explores how different societies have perceived and valued smallness, and how this perception has influenced their political, economic, and social structures.

One of the key themes of the book is the way in which ideas about size have been used to construct hierarchies within Europe. The authors argue that states have used their size to assert their dominance over their neighbors, to secure resources and trade agreements, and to project power on the global stage. They also explore how smaller states have sought to challenge these hierarchies and assert their own identities and interests.

The book also examines the relationship between ideas about size and national interest. The authors argue that states have used their size to define their national interests and to shape their foreign policies. They explore how different states have prioritized their interests in different regions of the world, and how these priorities have influenced their interactions with other states.

Another key theme of the book is the way in which ideas about size have influenced international policy. The authors argue that states have used their size to shape their relationships with other states and to influence the international system. They explore how different states have responded to the challenges of globalization, and how these responses have impacted their relationships with other states and the global economy.

The Politics of Smallness in Modern Europe is a comprehensive and insightful study that offers a fresh perspective on the complex dynamics of European and global politics. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history, politics, and international relations of Europe and beyond.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350299917