Intermediary Bodies in International Politics: Conceptual and Historical Observations on Northern Europe’s Small States in the International System in the 19th and 20th Centuries
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Abstract
The article addresses central problems in the field of small state studies. By revisiting Paul W. Schroeder’s often neglected term “intermediary bodies” in the international system, it attempts to provide a broader conceptual alternative to established categories of description and definition such as “smallness” and “weakness.” In Schroeder’s understanding, intermediary bodies affect the international system beyond functioning as mere buffers. Ultimately, intermediaries influence procedures and outcomes substantially and transcend international politics to another level beyond mere (great) power politics. The subsequent remarks explore the utility and viability of the term by practically applying it to two historical examples: the Danish unitary monarchy within the German Confederation and the role of Finland as an intermediary during, before, and beyond the Cold War. Schroeder’s concept is thereby introduced into varying international contexts and bridges the gap between the history of the 19th century international system and the later modern period.
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| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 472 | 214 | 7 |
| Full Text Views | 31 | 9 | 0 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 87 | 24 | 0 |
Intermediary Bodies in International Politics: Conceptual and Historical Observations on Northern Europe’s Small States in the International System in the 19th and 20th Centuries
In: DiplomaticaSearch for other papers by Michael Jonas in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Abstract
The article addresses central problems in the field of small state studies. By revisiting Paul W. Schroeder’s often neglected term “intermediary bodies” in the international system, it attempts to provide a broader conceptual alternative to established categories of description and definition such as “smallness” and “weakness.” In Schroeder’s understanding, intermediary bodies affect the international system beyond functioning as mere buffers. Ultimately, intermediaries influence procedures and outcomes substantially and transcend international politics to another level beyond mere (great) power politics. The subsequent remarks explore the utility and viability of the term by practically applying it to two historical examples: the Danish unitary monarchy within the German Confederation and the role of Finland as an intermediary during, before, and beyond the Cold War. Schroeder’s concept is thereby introduced into varying international contexts and bridges the gap between the history of the 19th century international system and the later modern period.
| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 472 | 214 | 7 |
| Full Text Views | 31 | 9 | 0 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 87 | 24 | 0 |
