Small states have limited options in international politics: Abdul Hai Qanit

Abdul Hai Qanit, Director of the Strategic Studies Center of Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has said that major powers such as the United States, China, and Russia shape the course of global affairs, including matters of war and peace, leaving smaller countries to align their foreign policies with the decisions and strategies of these powers.

In a post on X on Tuesday, Qanit categorized countries into three groups: major powers, middle powers, and small states. He said middle powers—including Türkiye, India, Iran, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, and Brazil—are influenced by the policies of major powers but retain significant influence in shaping political dynamics within their respective regions.

According to Qanit, small states generally pursue one of three foreign policy strategies: balancing between rival powers, aligning with a major power, or adopting a hedging strategy by maintaining relations with multiple major or regional powers without fully committing to any single side.

Referring to the recent conflict between the United States and Iran, Qanit cited Oman as a successful example of a small state employing a hedging strategy. He said Oman maintained relations with the United States, Western countries, and Iran simultaneously, enabling it to safeguard its security while also playing a constructive mediating role during the crisis.

Qanit concluded by saying that small states have limited choices in the international system and that achieving success requires strategic planning, adequate resources, institutional capacity, and prudent leadership.