Politics and democracy in microstates. A comparative analysis of the effects of size on contestation and inclusiveness

Abstract

Why are small states statistically more likely to

have democratic systems of government? By addressing this question from a

qualitative, comparative methodological angle, this book analyzes the effects

of a limited population size on politics and democracy. In line with the criteria of the most different systems design, the four microstates of San Marino, St. Kitts and Nevis, Seychelles, and Palau are compared on the basis of interviews with respondents from various societal and institutional backgrounds. The findings of this study indicate that in spite of their many other differences, politics and democracy in the four analyzed microstates is of a remarkably similar nature. Whereas a small population size may in some respects contribute to the quality of democracy, it also creates a number of political dynamics that undermine the functioning of democratic government