Interests in Terms of Survival: The Function of Weak States

Abstract

The discussion of great powers and weak states is a timeless one. It dates back to the times of the Ancient Greeks. The Melian Dialogue portrays the clash between Athens, a rising great power and the island of Melos, a weak, neutral nation east of Sparta. Melos is an important asset to Athens because of its strategic importance. Annexing this island also communicates to Sparta that Athens is a regional power. Why did Melos exist in the first place? What did it do and how did it relate to other powers? Why do weak states exist at all? It could very well be argued that weak states owe their very existence to great powers—“either to the balance of power, or to their lack of attractiveness for imperialist inspirations” (Morgenthau 1948, 196). As Morgenthau says, a weak state is seen as “attractive” to great powers only to the extent that it helps achieve regional or world domination against another great power. Weak states are sheltered by the international system; they are a part of it, but remain separate from great power struggles for survival since they are deemed unnecessary. Weak states rely on great powers and use the international system to their advantage.