Small States and Shelter Theory

Baldur Thorhallsson is Professor at the Faculty of Political Science at the University of Iceland. He is also Jean Monnet Chair in European Studies and Programme and Research Director at the Centre for Small States at the University. His research focus is primarily on small state studies, European integration and Iceland's foreign policy. He has published extensively in international journals. He has contributed to several academic books and written two books on small states in Europe.

• Introduction Part I: Small States and Shelter Theory 1. The Small State in International Relations 2. A Theory of Shelter Part II: Iceland’s External Affairs from the British and American Occupations up to the Present 3. Shelter during the American Period: Icelandic Relations with the US and International Organizations 4. Nordic Cooperation and Shelter Implications 5. European Integration: Genuine or False Shelter? Part III: Opportunities and Challenges for Small States in the 21st Century 6. Iceland’s Shelter Options in the New Millennium 7. Concluding Remarks: Why Shelter Theory Matters: Ramifications for International Relations and Small State Studies

‘Deriving a new theory of shelter-seeking behavior from the case of Iceland, this innovative book contributes greatly to our knowledge of how the strategies of small states help shape the spheres of influence of large states. To understand the power of the large and strong we must understand the agility of the small and weak.’ - Peter J. Katzenstein, Walter C. Carpenter Jr. Professor of International Studies, Cornell University, USA.‘This book is a must-read for scholars and practitioners interested in small states in international relations. The authors demonstrate conceptually and empirically how smaller states can benefit from bigger state shelters and reflect upon current challenges and opportunities.’ - Diana Panke, Professor for Political Science at the University of Freiburg and holder of the chair in Multilevel Governance, Germany.‘Small states depend considerably on what happens beyond their shores. Given this predicament, they leverage protection from the same exogenous environment that threatens their survival and prosperity. By using Iceland to exemplify the use of shelter theory, this book offers powerful insights into the behaviour of small states in the international system.’ - Godfrey Baldacchino, Pro-Rector and Professor of Sociology, University of Malta, Malta.