Polarità, politica regionale e libertà delle potenze minori

This paper undertakes to provide an analysis of the patterns of interaction between secondary states and major powers. By providing historical examples, this paper argues that systemic polarity and geography are important factors to explain the behaviour of small states. For instance, in the bipolar system the structure of great powers’ competition for relative gains exerts a mitigating influence on the freedom of small states. Conversely, in the multipolar system the struggle for relative gains normally causes the formation of preponderant coalitions against a small power. Moreover, in both cases geography can, in turn, accentuate or attenuate the influence of systemic polarity. Furthermore, this paper contends that in bipolarity the threat of alignment is more rewarding than alignment itself whereas the contrary occurs in multipolarity.