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The Performance of Smallness: A comparative study of Albania, Malta, and Switzerland in the UN Security Council during 2023

Schedin, Thea LU (2025) FKVK02 20251
Department of Political Science
Abstract
This study examines how small states construct and perform diplomatic roles in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), focusing on the 2023 tenures of Albania, Malta, and Switzerland. Using a theory-driven content analysis informed by constructivism, role theory, and the concept of niche diplomacy, the study explores how these states advanced national interests and projected identity within a power-asymmetric institution. The analysis is structured around three themes: identity and role construction, normative agenda setting, and strategic institutional engagement. Findings show that Albania and Malta pursued focused, identity-aligned strategies, while Switzerland adopted a broader, expertise-driven approach. All three used... (More)
This study examines how small states construct and perform diplomatic roles in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), focusing on the 2023 tenures of Albania, Malta, and Switzerland. Using a theory-driven content analysis informed by constructivism, role theory, and the concept of niche diplomacy, the study explores how these states advanced national interests and projected identity within a power-asymmetric institution. The analysis is structured around three themes: identity and role construction, normative agenda setting, and strategic institutional engagement. Findings show that Albania and Malta pursued focused, identity-aligned strategies, while Switzerland adopted a broader, expertise-driven approach. All three used institutional tools such as presidencies, working groups, and coalition-building to exert influence. The study argues that small-state diplomacy in the UNSC is a performance shaped by both structure and agency. It contributes to understanding how small states navigate global governance by aligning identity, norms, and strategic behaviour in multilateral settings. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Schedin, Thea LU
supervisor
organization
course
FKVK02 20251
year
type
M2 - Bachelor Degree
subject
keywords
Small states, United Nations Security Council, role theory, constructivism, niche diplomacy, diplomatic strategy, multilateralism.
language
English
id
9191141
date added to LUP
2025-08-08 11:25:06
date last changed
2025-08-08 11:25:06
@misc{9191141,
  abstract     = {{This study examines how small states construct and perform diplomatic roles in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), focusing on the 2023 tenures of Albania, Malta, and Switzerland. Using a theory-driven content analysis informed by constructivism, role theory, and the concept of niche diplomacy, the study explores how these states advanced national interests and projected identity within a power-asymmetric institution. The analysis is structured around three themes: identity and role construction, normative agenda setting, and strategic institutional engagement. Findings show that Albania and Malta pursued focused, identity-aligned strategies, while Switzerland adopted a broader, expertise-driven approach. All three used institutional tools such as presidencies, working groups, and coalition-building to exert influence. The study argues that small-state diplomacy in the UNSC is a performance shaped by both structure and agency. It contributes to understanding how small states navigate global governance by aligning identity, norms, and strategic behaviour in multilateral settings.}},
  author       = {{Schedin, Thea}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{The Performance of Smallness: A comparative study of Albania, Malta, and Switzerland in the UN Security Council during 2023}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}