How do small island states maximize influence?: Creole diplomacy and the smart state foreign policy of the Seychelles

Christian Bueger; Anders Wivel

doi:10.1080/19480881.2018.1471122

How do small island states maximize influence? Creole diplomacy and the smart state foreign policy of the Seychelles

Christian Bueger, Anders Wivel

Center for Europæisk Politik

4 Citationer (Scopus)

Abstract

A lack of capabilities is most often taken to imply a lack of influence. The foreign policy of the Seychelles provides a surprising case of successful small state diplomacy that counters this claim. With a population of less than 100,000 and a diplomatic service of 100 staff, Seychelles is recognized as a broker in international organizations and as an agenda setter in ocean governance. This article explores this success in four steps. First, we unpack why the current diplomatic success of Seychelles is a surprise. Second, drawing on literature on small state diplomacy, we identify three sources of small state influence: capability and location, political culture and institutional design, and political strategy. Third, we analyze recent Seychellois diplomacy in light of the four factors as well as the limitations of Creole small state diplomacy. We conclude by discussing what other small states may learn from the Seychelles.

Originalsprog	Engelsk
Tidsskrift	Journal of the Indian Ocean Region
Vol/bind	14
Udgave nummer	2
Sider (fra-til)	170-188
ISSN	1948-0881
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1080/19480881.2018.1471122
Status	Udgivet - 4 maj 2018

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AB - A lack of capabilities is most often taken to imply a lack of influence. The foreign policy of the Seychelles provides a surprising case of successful small state diplomacy that counters this claim. With a population of less than 100,000 and a diplomatic service of 100 staff, Seychelles is recognized as a broker in international organizations and as an agenda setter in ocean governance. This article explores this success in four steps. First, we unpack why the current diplomatic success of Seychelles is a surprise. Second, drawing on literature on small state diplomacy, we identify three sources of small state influence: capability and location, political culture and institutional design, and political strategy. Third, we analyze recent Seychellois diplomacy in light of the four factors as well as the limitations of Creole small state diplomacy. We conclude by discussing what other small states may learn from the Seychelles.

KW - Faculty of Social Sciences

KW - islands

KW - ocean governance

KW - maritime security

KW - blue economy

KW - diplomacy, Seychelles

KW - Small states

KW - Creole

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DO - 10.1080/19480881.2018.1471122

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JO - Journal of the Indian Ocean Region

JF - Journal of the Indian Ocean Region

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How do small island states maximize influence? Creole diplomacy and the smart state foreign policy of the Seychelles

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