Multilateralism and the institutions of global governance are premised on two norms: the sovereignty equality of states and the right to development. This book considers how actors interpret these norms when practicing diplomacy by examining the interaction between international organisations (IO) and the proportion of their membership who should benefit the most from a rules-based order: small states. The IO’s dilemma is that while their founding principles require them to be responsive to all members, increased participation threatens effectiveness. The small states’ dilemma is that while a ... More

Multilateralism and the institutions of global governance are premised on two norms: the sovereignty equality of states and the right to development. This book considers how actors interpret these norms when practicing diplomacy by examining the interaction between international organisations (IO) and the proportion of their membership who should benefit the most from a rules-based order: small states. The IO’s dilemma is that while their founding principles require them to be responsive to all members, increased participation threatens effectiveness. The small states’ dilemma is that while a permissive liberal order ensures their survival, the costs of participation are disproportionately high. Drawing on extensive qualitative data, including more than 80 interviews conducted specifically for this book, we find that the strategies both IOs and smalls states adopt to balance their respective dilemmas can explain patterns and variations in their interactions across IOs, including the UN agencies, The World Bank, The World Trade Organisation, The International Monetary Fund, the World Health Organisation, and the World Intellectual Property Organisation.