The governance of small states in turbulent times

Viac o knihe

What is special about small states? How do they adapt their policies and governance in turbulent times, such as during a new security environment and the international financial crisis? Experts provide insights into the constraints and opportunities for governance in an interdependent and increasingly unstable global setting. They explore how small states respond to radical changes in the international landscape and the role of political institutions in shaping policy responses. Additionally, the impact of political leadership on stability during periods of change is examined. This comparative study focuses on the governance processes of Norway and Slovakia, two small European nations with open economies that have faced similar global challenges, including post-Cold War security shifts and financial crises. Both countries also grapple with internal pressures from rising expectations and demographic changes affecting their welfare systems. Their governance structures are influenced by distinct political-administrative cultures, historical contexts, and the stability of their democratic institutions, as well as their varying relationships with the European Union and regional integration frameworks. This comparative approach not only highlights the specific adaptations in governance within these two states but also offers broader insights into the role of integration structures in facilitating or constraining change.