Conceptualization of "Small State" in International Relations: Case of Qatar

Within the various theoretical frameworks, some emphasis has been put on certain variables in order to define the status and power influence of various states in the international and regional systems, but there is no consensus on the definition and classification of Small States and their characteristics in the international system to the extent that some scholars have proposed the idea that “no definition” is the best way to refer to these small states. Advocates of the “no definition” argue that Small States are well-known to the world and need not be defined in any specific terms. On the other hand, despite the ambiguity that has engulfed the definition of the Small States, nobody can cast doubt on their vivid existence in the international arena. Furthermore, Small States constitute a significant majority in international system. In general, a great deal of efforts has been put into defining and explaining the features of Small States in the International Relations’ literature and this study has tried to summarize them in six approaches. Finally, having reviewed all these approaches, Qatar as an example of a Small State is examined in the light of these six approaches.