Neutrals and norm building : a question of size

Abstract

Small states are rarely agenda-setters, but they can be norm-developers, advancing the international system by gathering support for collectively beneficial standards and expectations. Neutrality norms serve as a case in point: while Great Powers often assert (or sometimes challenge) neutrality through their military, economic, or structural power, small states have a long history of creating, maintaining, and expanding rules and agreements by engaging other actors in norm-building processes. This article contrasts the two approaches, using the examples of great and small power neutrals.