Small States´ Power Resources in EU Negotiations

Studies on small states are a rising research field within political science. In her book Dr. Gunnhildur Lily Magnusdottir explores new territories where others have done the groundwork in small states studies. The empirical goal of her study is to analyze how and by what means three relatively small states, Sweden, Denmark and Finland, have made their voice heard and even taken the lead within the Environmental Policy of the European Union. The study entails an analysis of the Nordic member states'' usage of 4 specific power resources, which are not based on their voting power or any other form of quantitative strength. The 4 potential power resources, which the author analyzes are: 1) the usage of a favourable image, 2) the usage of the Council Presidency as a possible amplifier of national interests, 3) the potentials of small national administration and 4) the establishment and usage of a close relationship with the Commission. The main result of the study is that the four power resources in question have significantly affected the Nordic member states'' performance and abilities to influence environmental politics within the European Union.