Colonel Wolfgang Weichselberger, Austria’s Defence Attaché to the United Kingdom, Mr Vitālijs Rakstiņš, Defence Counsellor of the Embassy of the Republic of Latvia to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Mr Ivan Tan, First Secretary at the Singapore High Commission to the United Kingdom and Mr Mohammed Abdulaziz Al-Attiyah, Head of Governmental Affairs at the Embassy of Qatar in the United Kingdom provided nuanced perspectives on their countries’ recent histories, geopolitical circumstances, and foreign policy priorities.
Despite their geographical, economic, cultural, and political differences, Austria, Latvia, Singapore, and Qatar are all considered as small states within their respective regions. This implies that despite operating in very different contexts, they face common challenges typically associated with small states.
The diplomats described the foreign-policy strategies utilised by their states. This includes strategies such as hedging (avoiding binding alliances and instead balancing between larger powers), sheltering (a diplomatic, economic, societal, and political alignment response of structurally weak states in which they benefit disproportionally from membership of alliances and institutions), staying neutral, and acting as ‘honest brokers’ in disputes between larger powers.
Witnessing these concepts brought to life was enlightening, as we have been studying the theoretical origins of these strategies and how they are used by small states to provide security, protect sovereignty, and enhance diplomatic influence.
A notable aspect of the discussion centered around the challenges faced by the diplomats in their daily roles as 'small state practitioners’. One commonality was the great efforts required to be heard and received by an audience with representatives of larger states. Which at an individual level requires strong interpersonal skills and persistence.
Small state diplomats must work hard to increase awareness of their countries. This can range from establishing meetings with members of parliament and attending seminars. Those based in London regularly interact with one another and maintain productive and friendly relationships with the wider diplomatic and political communities.
Furthermore, there is sometimes a misconception that diplomacy is the preserve of men only, and the gender of the four speakers risks reinforcing that misconception. However, two female representatives from the Maldives and Belize were unable to attend the event which emphasises the busy workloads of diplomats. Especially those from smaller states who typically have fewer personnel in their foreign services and therefore must place more demands on their time.
The diplomats concluded with advice for those who study or practice small state diplomacy. For them, remaining relevant and true to one’s principles are key. “Being loved and respected are not the same thing” and “small is not weak” are two proverbs to always keep in mind.