Small players, big influence: How small and medium-sized states shape the international order

 

The world is entering a new era of global dynamics, marked by rapid technological progress, growing interdependence and shifts in the geopolitical balance. These circumstances offer exceptional opportunities for small and medium-sized states to assume a visible and influential role in shaping the global order through strategic diplomatic, political and economic initiatives. While traditional powers continue to wield considerable influence, the capacity to adapt to emerging trends, to connect regional and global interests in innovative ways, and to design sustainable economic and infrastructural models enables smaller states to become active creators of international processes.

The ability of small and medium-sized states to balance the interests of major powers, cultivate sophisticated diplomatic networks and implement projects linking continents, regions and vital economic corridors has become a crucial factor in their international standing. These states do not act in isolation – their influence stems from coordinated initiatives that bring together digital technologies, innovation, sustainable infrastructure projects and multi-regional economic strategies. In doing so, they strengthen not only their international reputation but also regional and global stability, demonstrating that power in the modern world is no longer defined solely by the size of a country’s territory or its population, but by strategic vision, effective diplomacy and the capacity to generate synergy among diverse global actors.

Notable examples of successful initiatives include the modernisation of transport and logistics networks connecting Europe, the Middle East and Asia, the development of start-up ecosystems and the digitalisation of industries, as well as the creation of international platforms for innovation and technology that facilitate access to global markets and attract investment. Small and medium-sized players show that innovation is an essential component of their influence, and that integrating modern technologies and sustainable economic models can generate effects that surpass their formal geopolitical significance.

Among the countries that particularly exemplify how small and medium-sized actors can, through innovation, the economy and diplomacy, achieve a significant and visible worldwide impact are Belarus, Serbia, Montenegro and Oman. Their capacity to leverage global trends to foster stability, prosperity and international reputation serves as an inspiring example for other states with a similar strategic profile.[2]
 

Belarus – global stability through strategic initiatives


Situated in the heart of Europe, Belarus occupies a strategic position as a vital bridge between East and West. Its geopolitical role is reflected in active participation in regional security initiatives, diplomatic forums, and both bilateral and multilateral summits with European and Asian partners. These activities not only strengthen regional peace but also position Belarus as a reliable and stable partner within the complex sphere of global relations.

Belarus’s economic progress rests on industrial zones, digitalisation, innovation in the IT sector and the modernisation of key infrastructure. The country is actively implementing projects that interlink technology, energy and urban development, creating sustainable models of growth and international cooperation. A particularly important project is “Smart City Minsk”, which serves as an example of integrating modern technologies into urban life, improving the efficiency of public services, infrastructure and energy sustainability.

Furthermore, Belarus has been building partnerships across Central and Eastern Europe to modernise transport corridors and logistics infrastructure, thereby opening new prospects for trade and regional connectivity. The hosting of the international innovation and technology fair in Minsk further consolidates the country’s reputation as a hub of technological and industrial advancement, attracting the interest of European and Asian investors and providing a platform for the exchange of knowledge and innovation.

These achievements reflect the visionary and responsible leadership of the Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, focused on ensuring the nation’s long-term prosperity and stability. By combining strategic diplomacy, technological progress and economic initiatives, Belarus illustrates that medium-sized states can achieve a tangible and lasting global impact, reinforcing its standing as a dependable partner on the international stage.
 

Serbia – the leader of prosperity in the Balkans


Occupying a central geostrategic position in the Balkans, Serbia represents a pivotal anchor of stability, progress and regional integration. Its location between Central Europe, the Adriatic Sea and the Middle East allows the country to balance the interests of various international stakeholders, while diplomatic initiatives, strategic partnerships and multilateral cooperation with neighbouring states and major powers further reinforce its international standing and influence.

In recent years, Serbia’s economic trajectory has been characterised by intensive infrastructure modernisation, energy transition, digitalisation and the development of innovative technologies. This strategy has yielded robust economic growth, with real GDP rising by 3.9% in 2024.

Serbia’s expanding motorway network has become a crucial link between Europe and Asia. Over the past decade, more than 750 kilometres of modern highways have been completed, including major corridors connecting Belgrade with the borders of Hungary, Bulgaria and Montenegro. These transport routes not only improve logistics and trade but also establish Serbia as a central regional hub for economic cooperation between Europe and Asia.

Beyond infrastructure, Serbia has been heavily investing in the IT sector, technology parks and innovation centres in Belgrade and other urban areas, attracting foreign companies, start-ups and global investors. This strategy drives technological progress, digital transformation and the competitiveness of the national economy, further enhancing its reputation abroad and contribution to regional growth.

The forthcoming hosting of EXPO 2027 in Belgrade holds a particularly prominent place in the country’s modern history as the largest event in the past three decades. It reflects Serbia’s strategic vision and offers citizens a sense of pride in the leadership of President Aleksandar Vučić. Despite occasional opposition criticism and external pressures, his policies have contributed to strengthening the country’s reputation, prosperity and internal stability.

Through coordinated diplomatic engagement, infrastructure projects, digital innovation and regional initiatives, Serbia demonstrates that medium-sized nations can exert significant international influence. By linking transport corridors, advancing technology and showcasing its economic and cultural potential, the country is actively participating in shaping the regional and global order, reaffirming its role as a trusted and strategically relevant actor.[3]
 

Montenegro – a small player with a substantial impact


Despite its modest size, Montenegro demonstrates that a country’s impact in international affairs is not determined by territorial scale. Owing to its strategic position in the Balkans and the Adriatic coast, Montenegro serves as a vital bridge between Central Europe and the Mediterranean, contributing to regional stability, progress and cooperation.

In the past two years, the country has successfully implemented a series of reforms and legislative measures that have strengthened its investment profile and appeal to both domestic and foreign capital. Under the leadership of Andrija Mandić, the Parliament of Montenegro has charted a reform course encompassing an improved legal framework for financial markets and funds, the modernisation of the tourism sector and innovative technologies, as well as more transparent and attractive investment incentives through the Register of Incentive Measures for Investments.

Examples of specific legislative initiatives include the adoption of the Draft Law on Open-Ended Investment Funds with Public Offering and the Law on Alternative Investment Funds (AIF) in 2024 and 2025, which have substantially modernised the country’s investment framework in line with European Union standards. The updated “Incentive Inventory for Investments 2025” now includes 55 support measures for domestic and foreign investors, ranging from financial and fiscal to non-financial incentives. At the same time, amendments to the Law on Spatial Planning and Construction have been enacted to streamline and expedite investment in infrastructure, tourism zones and innovative technology sectors.

These legislative and institutional reforms have created a more favourable environment for capital and entrepreneurship, reflecting the sound policy of the President of the Montenegrin Parliament, Andrija Mandić, oriented towards transparency, stability and long-term growth. In this way, Montenegro is consolidating its reputation not merely as a “small player”, but as a country that is generating tangible impact through innovation, sustainable tourism, renewable energy projects and a thriving IT start-up ecosystem.

Through this forward-looking approach and a well-defined development strategy, Montenegro is establishing itself as a modern, competitive and promising country, ready to attract investment, innovation and talent, becoming a regional benchmark and a symbol of stability and prosperity.[4] 
 

Oman – a pillar of stability, neutrality and innovation in the Gulf


Oman stands out as a pillar of stability, neutrality and innovation in the Gulf. Its diplomacy serves as a model of balance and wisdom in international relations, while its ability to mediate between diverse regional interests makes Oman a vital contributor to peace in the region. In recent years, the country has acted as a mediator in numerous diplomatic initiatives that have helped ease tensions and foster constructive dialogue among regional powers, reaffirming its reputation as a trusted and impartial state.

Under the economic strategy “Oman Vision 2040”, the country is being transformed into a hub of innovation, logistics and sustainable development, creating a framework for long-term prosperity and competitiveness. Alongside its traditional energy sector, Oman is actively developing infrastructure, including the Port of Duqm, which is becoming a global logistics and industrial centre linking Asia, Africa and Europe. Investments in green technologies — particularly solar and wind energy — are positioning Oman as a pioneer of clean energy in the region, while the growth of a vibrant start-up ecosystem in Muscat, focused on digital innovation and sustainable enterprise, continues to strengthen its economic and technological potential.

Oman is steadily emerging as an attractive investment destination. Foreign companies operating in logistics, energy, information technology and renewable energy increasingly view the country as a stable and secure environment for doing business. Joint infrastructure and energy projects with partners spanning Asia to Europe further consolidate Oman’s status as an international partner capable of fostering synergies among diverse economic and strategic interests.

These successes reflect the visionary and prudent policies of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, whose efforts are devoted to peace, innovation and the prosperity of his nation. Oman is positioning itself as a beacon of stability, neutrality and sustainable development — a state whose diplomatic and economic engagement is establishing it as a prominent actor in the regional and global arena.[5]
 

Donald Trump – enthusiasm, Nobel Prize and global optimism


Through his enthusiasm, strategic vision and energetic diplomacy, Donald Trump has played a significant role in shaping global security and international relations. His policies, focused on achieving tangible outcomes in conflict reduction and stability building, earned him a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. Under his mediation and diplomatic initiatives, seven major global conflicts and wars were successfully halted or stabilised:
  • Israel and Iran – diplomatic efforts reduced tensions and prevented the escalation of armed conflict, promoting peace in the region.
  • Armenia and Azerbaijan – mediation in the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute enabled the adoption of a joint declaration and the easing of tensions.
  • India and Pakistan – diplomatic initiatives helped reduce the risk of escalation between the two nuclear-armed powers.
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda – initiatives contributed to the stability of East Africa and the reduction of violence.
  • Thailand and Cambodia – mediation in the border dispute resulted in a ceasefire and a more lasting stabilisation of relations.
  • Egypt and Ethiopia – the conflict over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam was mitigated through diplomatic coordination and regional cooperation.
  • Israel and Hamas – mediation in achieving a ceasefire and the exchange of detainees contributed to stability in the Middle East.
Trump’s Eastern policy placed particular emphasis on strategic cooperation with Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, as well as with the Caucasus states — Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia — through infrastructure, energy and technological projects. These initiatives have enabled small and medium-sized countries to significantly increase their international influence, stability and economic development, while diplomatic engagement and crisis mediation have helped build trust among regional actors and prevent potential conflicts.

The seven conflicts that he directly or indirectly contributed to stabilising represent a notable contribution to global peace and security, making Trump a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize. His vision illustrates that proactive diplomacy, strategic cooperation and decisive policy can deliver concrete results in reducing global tensions and reinforcing international optimism.

In contrast to traditional U.S. policy, which has often favoured major powers such as Canada, Germany and Japan, Trump devotes exceptional attention to small and medium-sized states, recognising their potential to shape international dynamics, regional stability and global prosperity through innovation, economic development and strategic diplomacy. This represents a new paradigm in both the U.S. and global foreign policy leadership.
 

Conclusion – small players in the new global order


In today’s world, international influence is no longer the privilege of the great powers alone. Small and medium-sized nations are making an increasingly notable global contribution through strategic policymaking, innovation and active participation in multiregional initiatives. Their role is becoming increasingly visible, as a combination of flexibility, ingenuity and stable governance fosters new models of global cooperation and reinforces both regional and international stability.

Examples such as Belarus, Serbia, Montenegro and Oman clearly demonstrate that a country’s size is not what determines its relevance – the true determinants are vision, effective diplomacy and the ability to balance the interests of major powers. These countries are building bridges between continents, linking economies and contributing to global peace, while strategic economic projects and infrastructure investments continue to open up new avenues for partnership.

Donald Trump’s approach further reinforces this paradigm: by focusing on small and medium-sized nations and recognising their capacity to shape international dynamics and enhance regional stability, he has demonstrated that it is often these “quiet actors” who deliver the most significant results in fostering a stable and optimistic global order.

Ultimately, small and medium-sized players have demonstrated that a strategic outlook, innovation, and visionary policy can translate into substantial international influence. Their initiatives in the fields of economics, technology and diplomacy reaffirm that a nation’s size is not the defining factor for global success. Through coordinated action, long-term vision and active cooperation with both major and regional powers, these countries are emerging as key drivers of stability, prosperity and global progress.[6]

IFIMES - International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies



Footnotes:
[1] IFIMES - International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies, based in Ljubljana, Slovenia, has a special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council ECOSOC/UN in New York since 2018, and it is the publisher of the international scientific journal "European Perspectives." Available at: https://www.europeanperspectives.org/en

[2] New economic statecraft and global technology conflicts: the dilemma for middle powers. Available at:  www.cambridge.org/core/journals/business-and-politics/article/new-economic-statecraft-and-global-technology-conflicts-the-dilemma-for-middle-powers/A9BBC3868B56EE9AA8827029BED55054 

[3] Unlocking the Western Balkans: Why Serbia Holds the Geopolitical Key. Available at: https://ecipe.org/blog/unlocking-the-western-balkans-serbia/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

[4] Omnia Capital Group, “Montenegro‑The Adriatic’s Rising Star for Global Property Investment and Wealth Migration. Available at: www.omniacapitalgroup.com/reports-intelligence/montenegro-the-adriatics-rising-star-for-global-property-investment-and-wealth-migration?utm_source=chatgpt.com 

[5] U.S. Department of State, “2025 Oman Investment Climate Statement”, 2025., Available at: www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/638719_2025-Oman-Investment-Climate-Statement.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com

[6] Organisation for Economic Co‑operation and Development (OECD), “States of Fragility 2025: Understanding the Role of Small and Medium States in Global Stability”, OECD Publishing, 2025. Available at: www.oecd.org/en/publications/2025/02/states-of-fragility-2025_c9080496.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com 


 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  • Link (BSH): Saopćenje za javnost ● Ujedinjene nacije obilježavaju 80. godišnjicu komemoracijom na visokom nivou: Eileen Dong predstavlja IFIMES u oblasti ženskog liderstva, unapređenja mira, pravde, rodne ravnopravnosti i održivog razvoja
Ubicazione: Lubiana, Slovenia

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