Why Small Countries Have Outsized Power in the UN

When people think of global influence, they usually picture major powers—countries like the United States, China, or Russia—wielding the most sway in international decisions. But in the halls of the United Nations, influence doesn’t always correspond to economic might or military strength. In fact, tiny countries with small populations and limited resources can, and often do, exercise disproportionate influence.

This paradox arises not from brute power, but from the unique design of the United Nations system. Through mechanisms like equal voting rights in the General Assembly, leadership roles in committees, and strategic alliances in blocs like the G77 or Non-Aligned Movement, small countries punch far above their weight.

Equal Voting in the General Assembly

One Country, One Vote

The UN General Assembly operates on a principle of sovereign equality. This means that every member state—regardless of size, GDP, or military capacity—gets one vote. Whether you're China with over 1.4 billion people or Nauru with fewer than 15,000, your vote carries equal weight.

This creates a level playing field in global discourse. Small states often band together to influence resolutions, especially on matters like climate change, decolonization, and sustainable development.

The Power of Numbers

There are 193 member states in the UN. Over 100 of these are considered small or developing nations. Together, they can form major voting blocs that influence the passage of resolutions, budget approvals, and even decisions on leadership appointments within the UN structure.

Strategic Use of Diplomacy and Alliances

Forming Coalitions

Small countries often band together through regional or issue-based coalitions:

• The Group of 77 (G77) represents developing countries and allows them to coordinate their negotiating positions.

• The Small Island Developing States (SIDS) alliance amplifies the concerns of vulnerable island nations.

• African Union, ASEAN, and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) also allow smaller countries to speak with one voice.

These alliances give small nations collective bargaining power that rivals that of larger states.

Shaping the Agenda

Small countries often take the lead on global issues that larger nations avoid or deprioritize. For example:

• Vanuatu and the Marshall Islands have led climate justice efforts.

• Costa Rica has championed disarmament and peace-building.

• Liechtenstein played a pivotal role in advocating for UN reforms and accountability measures.

By focusing on moral leadership and niche issues, small countries influence the global agenda and often receive international recognition for doing so.

Leadership Positions and Symbolic Power

Presiding Over Committees

The UN rotates leadership roles among its members. This means representatives from small countries can preside over powerful bodies like:

• The General Assembly

• The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

• UN Security Council (when elected as non-permanent members)

These roles allow smaller nations to set discussion agendas, moderate debates, and elevate topics that matter to them.

Prestige and Visibility

Presiding over a committee or initiating a resolution gives smaller nations soft power. It brings visibility and diplomatic prestige, helping them form partnerships and secure development aid. Such moments also elevate their diplomats to the global stage.

Security Council Influence

Non-Permanent Membership

While the five permanent members (P5) dominate the UN Security Council, ten non-permanent members are elected for two-year terms. These seats rotate regionally, allowing small and mid-sized nations periodic access.

Countries like Estonia, Malta, and Mozambique have recently held Security Council seats. During their tenure, they can:

• Influence discussions and propose resolutions

• Chair important sanctions or working groups

• Engage in behind-the-scenes negotiations

Even without veto power, these roles provide platforms to shape global security debates.

The Moral Authority of Vulnerability

Amplifying Global Conscience

Many small nations, particularly those facing existential threats like climate change or conflict, speak with moral clarity that resonates beyond their size. Their calls for justice, equity, and sustainability often carry emotional and ethical weight.

• Tuvalu and Kiribati highlight sea-level rise and existential risk.

• Bhutan emphasizes gross national happiness over GDP.

This kind of advocacy can shape global narratives and rally support from NGOs, civil society, and even larger nations.

Challenges Still Remain

While small countries have tools for influence, they also face limitations:

• Limited diplomatic resources can hinder their ability to participate in every negotiation.

• Dependence on aid sometimes creates conflicting interests.

• Lack of veto power means that final decisions in the Security Council often rest with major powers.

Yet, despite these hurdles, small nations have repeatedly demonstrated that effective diplomacy, alliances, and moral positioning can overcome structural disadvantages.

Conclusion: Redefining Power in the UN

The United Nations remains a unique institution where the traditional definitions of power—military strength, economic weight, population size—do not always apply. Here, the rules of diplomacy, collaboration, and moral leadership allow even the tiniest nations to shape the global agenda.

Whether through equal voting rights, strategic coalitions, or bold advocacy on pressing global issues, small countries prove that in the world of diplomacy, size isn't everything. Their influence is a testament to the power of ideas, the value of alliances, and the enduring importance of equity in global governance.