| Abstract [eng] |
This master thesis applies the role theory model to analyse the involvement and participation of small states in international peacekeeping operations. The theoretical model constructed in this paper argues that the limitations of small states' material resources do not deterministically determine their performance in international relations. Nor do changes in the self-perception of these states necessarily stem from internal ideological factors. It is argued that existing theoretical explanations that focus on state size and material factors or ideational and identity aspects can hardly shed light on how small states engage in international peacekeeping activities. Especially on why they participate in some operations but avoid others, why there are changes in participation models, or why they get involved in a particular operation at a specific time. These questions are tricky for existing theoretical approaches to answer as they do not sufficiently consider the interactions between the actor and the international system. Theoretical approaches that emphasise the influence of domestic political processes, national identity or state self-determination do not sufficiently assess the influence of external factors. In contrast, systemic theories that focus on the impact of the international system do not sufficiently consider the influence of a state's domestic processes on its engagement in peace operations. Therefore, this paper aims to apply a theoretical model that combines actor and structural factors into a single theoretical approach to uncover the conditions that determine how small states engage in peace operations. For this reason, this paper proposes role theory as a theoretical approach to understanding the foreign policy of small states by assessing their patterns of action concerning peace operations. A model of the interaction between role socialization by outside actors and inter-state role negotiation processes is proposed and used to analyze the decisions of Estonia and Lithuania to participate in the French-led operation "Takuba" in Mali. By reconstructing the decision-making process through the process-tracing method, this analysis seeks to reveal how "Takuba" emerged on the political agenda in Estonia and Lithuania and how decision-makers in these states decided to participate in the operation. The process-tracing method shows how externally driven expectations are interpreted domestically by showing how decision-makers speak and identify with the externally-driven role. The cases selected share similar characteristics but are different in their participation models. It is argued that differences in role perceptions are the variable which determines their different engagement This project contributes to small states' literature and analyses on peacekeeping operations by demonstrating that in the context of peace operations, small states are unable to implement a single clear formula for action in all operations, whether it is a shelter-seeking strategy or an autonomous effort to strengthen the role of humanitarian actor. Small states are involved in a huge number of institutional formats. Therefore, in each case, the role of the small state varies, influenced by externally driven expectations of states' roles and the internal dynamics within states. In order to capture the dynamics of foreign policy decision-making in small states, it is important to include the discourse, the dominant narratives and the decision-making context. |
