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Why can representatives of small countries have important roles in multilateral negotiations?

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Taking prisoners — diplomacy A larger-than-life Ramses II towering over his prisoners and clutching them by the hair. Limestone bas-relief from Memphis, Egypt, 1290–24 bce; in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo.

In the context of international relations, representatives from smaller countries can play pivotal roles in multilateral negotiations by acting as skilled intermediaries or facilitators.1

While multilateral processes are inherently complex, protracted, and fragmented, the effectiveness of a negotiator often relies on personal attributes such as reliability, credibility, and the ability to foster trust. Because smaller states may be perceived as more neutral or less threatening than major powers, their diplomats are frequently well-positioned to serve as third-party intermediaries.12

Notable examples of this influence include:

Martti Ahtisaari: A Finnish diplomat who provided significant aid to UN-led negotiations regarding the end of South African colonial rule in Namibia and later helped facilitate a peace settlement in Kosovo.1
Kofi Annan: A career diplomat from Ghana who served as the principal intermediary with the Iraqi government during the Persian Gulf War to secure the release of hostages, eventually becoming the secretary-general of the UN.1

Ultimately, these individuals demonstrate that diplomatic success is driven by the ability to reframe issues, devise creative solutions, and maintain dialogue, regardless of the size or power of the state they represent.1