Small States' Challenges in International Relations: The Case of Bangladesh

The challenges of small states are multifaceted in international relations. Generally, these challenges are linked to the internal and external constraints which are inherently there in small states. To mitigate the challenges a small state often compelled to explore multiple options to deal with powerful states. These options are used not to be intimidated by big and powerful states while working for national interest. This paper has made an attempt to explore those inherent challenges of small states in international relations through an objectified study of the conditions prevail in Bangladesh. Being a small state of South Asian region, Bangladesh often forced to explore multiple options to deal with an enormous neighbor like India. This paper has conceptualized the challenges and survival strategy of Bangladesh in South Asian region. This study is descriptive and analytical in nature. To explore the research problems case study method has been used to qualitatively analyze the case of Bangladesh. This paper argued that Bangladesh’s proximity to China is its small state’s compulsions to deal with a big neighbor like India. The observations of this paper will be helpful to further investigate the challenges of small states in international relations. It will also be helpful in framing foreign policy measures to mitigate the challenges of small states.