Small States and the Third Nuclear Age: An Introduction

What is the role of small states in extended nuclear deterrence? In this introductory article we examine how smaller states participate in extended nuclear deterrence arrangements in the Third Nuclear Age. We argue that the Third Nuclear Age, defined by profound and rapid political, strategic and technological change, presents an opportunity for smaller states to redefine their integration and participation in extended deterrence relationships. This article specifies key features of small states that inform their participation in extended deterrence including their relative bargaining power, their geographic features, and the strategic potential of their conventional capabilities. We also identify how smaller states seek to enhance their influence and participation in extended nuclear deterrence arrangements to overcome these constraints through several adaptive measures, including novel internal and external balancing strategies and clustering with other small states to increase their influence and bargaining power.