Strategy of Small States Toward Regional Powers: A Case of Bangladesh

Abstract

The objective of this article is to examine the foreign policy tactics of minor states in relation to regional powers. In this research, Bangladesh has been taken as a case study to show how effectively it is engaged with two regional powers simultaneously, India and China, while still being capable of retaining political independence to pursue its national interests. Bangladesh’s foreign policy behavior establishes that, due to its relatively weak economic and military nature, this small country can have an influence on its alliance formation. Considering its size and economy, realist theory proposes that a small country like Bangladesh will bandwagon with great power. This article examines the stance of Bangladesh in its approach toward China and India. Rather than aligning itself with either country, Bangladesh adopts a hedging strategy. This involves diversifying its trade, investment, security, and diplomatic relations with both nations in a rational manner. The objective is to reduce its reliance on a single country, particularly India. In fact, due to economic starvation, Bangladesh seeks appropriate working relationships with China and India, the two rising powers having a great influence in the South Asian region.