This study is concerned with European micro-states and their continual survival in the international system. Micro-states are sovereign states with populations up to one million people. The existence of micro-states raises a number of serious questions involving the granting of statehood, recognition of sovereignty and the ability of micro-states to maintain their presence in the international system. The study begins with some background into small state theories, writings on micro-states and debates concerning sovereignty. It is argued that being sovereign members of the international system does not fully explain the extantism of the micro-states but that a functional account can. A <i>theory of disfunctionality</i> is outlined prior to a review of empirical evidence in support of this framework. It is argued that a functional account of the state is central to the survival of European micro-states. In particular, it is suggested that micro-states ‘contract-out’ important state functions to others in the international system to ensure their continued survival. From this proposition, a <i>theory of disfunctionality</i> is outlined. This theory incorporates a functional matrix of statehood, the impact of small size upon states, dependency upon others and that the logic of appropriateness is in play for the micro-states. The conclusion indicates that it is possible to identify three types of states in the contemporary system: functional states, dysfunctional states and non-functioning states. The final part of the study also suggests that the question of statehood is somewhat erratic and that a proliferation of micro-states may be expected in the 21<sup>st</sup> century.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:590993 |
| Date | January 2007 |
| Creators | Simpson, Archie William |
| Publisher | University of Aberdeen |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | http://digitool.abdn.ac.uk/R?func=search-advanced-go&find_code1=WSN&request1=AAIU233251 |
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