Conceding or defending sovereignty? Lessons from small states

Abstract

This article explores how small states function as important case studies to explain when sovereignty is conceded and when it is defended. It showcases how the unique vulnerabilities and constraints of small states push them to maximise available resources, and how sovereignty sometimes serves as a resource that can be partially surrendered in pursuit of economic prosperity. At the same time, it utilises the examples of the Baltic States, particularly Estonia, to demonstrate that when threats to sovereignty imperil cultural identity, small states break from the conventions of alliance free-riding, and expend considerable resources for security, even if they may fail to ensure self-sufficiency.