Classifications of Small States in Crisis and International Interventions

Abstract

Increasingly the countries of the world are classified and ranked according to whatever measurements or scales such as human development index, happiness, peacefulness, poverty, economic freedom, foreign debt, credit rating, governance quality, corruption, etc. Concepts such as fragile states, poor performers and difficult partnership countries have for instance emerged as a designation for countries that have been classified to be unworthy partners in international aid. The fluid definitions of these denominations used within the international community have however been highlighted. Qualities such as intentions or commitment are seen as crucial, thus so-called weak countries but willing should not be classified as fragile state, poor performers or difficult partnership countries. The importance to use aid resources effectively has contributed to donors’ reluctance to give aid to countries classified as fragile states, despite the majority of the world’s poor live in these countries. Thus, for a country being ranked as fragile state has consequences that may contribute to additional state fragility. Contradictory rankings are also worth noting. Iceland was ranked on the top of the human development index in 2007 and still has one of the highest human development index in the world. Nonetheless, in the wake of the global economic crisis, the country got its credit rating downgraded to junk status by agencies such as Fitch. In this panel, scholars are invited to present papers that examine classifications and rankings of small states in crisis, their ranking in relation to other states as well as contradictory ranking. Examination of the real or potential implications of particular classification or ranking, for instance for international interventions, are also welcome.

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