PhD Thesis: The Security of Small States is Dependent on the State Itself

On February 29^th, Matthew Crandall from the Tallinn University School of Governance, Law and Society defended his doctoral thesis. His thesis researched the strategic options in soft security threats in the case of small states. Soft security threats are cyber, energy and societal security challenges.

Crandall’s research showed the complex nature of contemporary security threats and the blurred line between domestic and international threats. Having resilient domestic systems have become vital. “It was surprising to see how much a small state’s security is dependent on the small state itself and the status of affairs within small states, not foreign actors,” he said. The contemporary society places more responsibility on a small state and its society to undertake needed reforms and policy to ensure resilience which in turn provides security.

According to Crandall, international organisations and networks have a key role in creating and maintaining internal systems, as they offer finances for building a physical infrastructure. “Instead of seeing allies and international organisations as security enablers, we should see them as key figures in strengthening our internal security systems,” he added.

The public defence of the doctoral thesis “Living in Russia’s Shadow: Small State Strategies to Soft Security Threats / Elades Venemaa varjus: väikeriikide pehmete julgeolekuohtude strateegia” took place on February 29 at 11:30 at room M-213 (Uus-Sadama St 5). The defence was held in English.

The full thesis can be read at the TU Academic Library e-depository ETERA.