Small states and international mediation [Ressource électronique] : the case of Algeria / Bousetta Allouche

Doctor of philosophy : Sciences politiques : University of Maryland College Park : 1987

Bibliogr. p. 428-451

This dissertation is an analytical and descriptive study of nonlarge state behavior, and a case study-test of international relations theory generalizations about small state behavior in the international political arena. Thus, it seeks to add to academic knowledge on two subjects. The first involves the role of small nations in avoiding, limiting, terminating and resolving international crises. It then purports to add to the literature on third party efforts which has traditionally focused on great powers and international organizations. The second subject is that of Algeria's foreign policy, of which little has been written in the American professional literature on diplomacy and comparative foreign policy. The particular experience of Algeria in international conflict management is presented as a means for an indepth exploration of the value of small state mediation, and for generating knowledge which may be applicable to other countries. The adopted methodology combines insights and analysis from both international relations theory and comparative politics. An alternative typology of small states' attributes and behavioral characteristics is developed and contrasted against the prevailing conventional hierarchical categorization of states, and corresponding modes of foreign policy conduct. The purpose is to establish a correlation between a determined pattern of external behavior and the practice of mediation by small states. As an empirical case, the role of Algeria in the Iranian hostage crisis and in the Persian Gulf war corroborates the validity of some the hypotheses formulated about small state mediation potential.