Small state security sector assistance in the age of great power competition

Abstract

Abstract This article argues how Security Sector Assistance (SSA) can be seen as a relevant tool for achieving small states strategic objectives in an indirect manner. The article directs focus toward how small states, by thinking indirectly, can ensure their own security concerns are being managed and remain influential actors in regional and global security politics in an age of great power competition. The soon-to-be two decades long, and still ongoing, global war on terror has defined several small states’ militaries around the world. This makes the current shift toward great power competition even more challenging. The interaction between great powers are dictating international politics; their strategic choices continuously shaping regional and global security. Small states seem to end up with little to no opportunity to influence the overall security-situation, international and regional strategies or politics. Yet, the authors argue there is plenty room for maneuver that allow small states to have a significant impact, and be a valuable partner – not a “free rider.”