The ascendancy of micro states: The quiet takeover of minor powers over global politics

By Zahra Ali - Pakistan 

The ascendancy of microstates forces us to turn the page back to a time when global power was treated as a prize reserved for the largest states; the ones with vast land, huge armies, and endless economies. This belief, and still does, shapes alliances, policies and the world’s understanding of the concept of influence itself. But that old notion is cracking quietly and steadily. Today, microstates are stepping into spaces once guarded by giants, rewriting the rules of history without making a sound. 

While energy equals power over time, these miniature states have learnt how to double the outcome with the same formula. Not just hydrocarbons but exporting culture, influence and global prestige. In 2022, the FIFA world cup held in Qatar wasn't just an athletic event but also a significant opportunity for cultural diplomacy. The opening and the closing ceremony both had a significant touch of culture, identity and history which left a mark on both the visitors and the high level of engagement online. Qatar formed many defence partnerships with major powers such as NATO, the United States and Turkey; while Turkey expanded its military presence which strengthened the regional protection along with less chances of an attack or destabilization in general due to enhanced global visibility. The FIFA world cup 2022 cast a spotlight for the world to view its culture and heritage symbolizing Qatar's soft power and enhancement of its foreign policy. 

From post colonialism in 1965 to a thriving first world country, in spite of its limited territory Singapore has emerged to an exceptional degree. Singapore's rise includes both world class economics and government strategies such as the State investor Temasek Holdings which has injected significant capital into airlines such as Singapore airlines to support their operations and recovery from the COVID 19 pandemic. Alongside its flexible aviation policy which makes it a hub for many passengers travelling along with playing a crucial role in the market as its located at a key chokepoint; The Malacca strait (global trade route).The aid loans not only benefit commercial aspects but locally as well, in case of any disaster they ensure the humanitarian aid is supplied on time ensuring their influence on global politics is something to be looked upon. 

These miniature powers like Qatar, Norway and Switzerland definitely don't let their modest geographical size affect their neutrality and position as trusted mediators. Qatar has hosted Hamas’ political leadership while maintaining diplomatic channels with Israel and Western countries. Qatar has a very major scale to balance the security demands from Israel and humanitarian needs in Gaza. However, they only meditate when asked. 

As 21st century learners, we have come to realize that sometimes the operations done in the silent hours subtly have the largest impact because power isn’t always loud. This leads us to the tiny state which is the backbone of Europe’s financial machinery. Luxembourg is recognized for being the hub of many major EU institutions, where its diverse vision and innovation marks the grounds for banking and finance. Since the past two decades, the Grand Duchy has demonstrated an impressive trajectory of growth and economic prosperity, evolving into a sophisticated, international corporate banking hub with well-capitalised banks that are deeply integrated into global markets and which offer a full range of corporate banking services. As many EU bodies are located there, they are able to manage everything in a sustainable way making sure all the rules and regulations are followed- upholding the international policy that makes them one of the most secure financial centers. 

Their limited territory and size does not mean their influence is limited as well- rather it goes beyond borders. These mini states are crucial to global strategy. They offer critical assets-such as Qatar’s hosting of the US Airbase AI Udeid– which allow major 

countries to project military strength without maintaining costly infrastructure elsewhere. They stand as a neutral body which makes them gain advantage over big states because they can easily gain trust and be involved in policy making and negotiations without disrupting the global network; this way they shoot twice; they not only make themselves peacemakers but are able to influence big powers as well. Their geopolitical importance towards the big powers bring us to one vital question: Do they really take over politics? While there may be no comparison with the United States or China in terms of political authority, the mini states strategically make their way through areas like agility and neutrality which allows them to extend their influence. In these critical segments of global affairs, states like Qatar and Luxembourg go way beyond their size and power to make decisions that bring about peace and stability, something superpowers can’t do. Cognisant of the global socio-economic status quo, they choose to shore up support for more non-violent pragmatic methods, opting for diplomacy and consensus-based conflict resolution, simultaneously ensuring financial stability and performance, as opposed to outright control, so as to maintain the coherence of the international order. 

The former UN secretary-General Ban Ki moon stated “Small states are not powerless.They are often among the most innovative, the most flexible, and the most effective in diplomacy”. This proves that power and influence are not the tools of the largest nations; rather, they exist to serve states whose opinions amplify manifold and resonate against the backdrop of distinctive national interests.

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