Small power alliances in Europe : The Nordic, Baltic and Visegrád Groups

Abstract

The small power alliances discussed in the article are the Baltic, the Nordic and the Visegrád groups. Why were the alliances established and what is their purpose, importance and effectiveness? This article seeks to explain the reasons for the formation of those alliances, how they work and what are their benefits and limitations. These alliances can be used to form a common agenda to strengthen the position of the countries within larger alliances such as the EU, which can be described as a political and economic alliance, and NATO which is a military alliance, as well as within institutions such as the IMF and the World Bank. But for the small power alliances to be effective they need to have a common vision and interests, and to broadly agree on the issues. All these small power alliances have been affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine that not only challenges them but also the EU and NATO, as well as US and European cooperation on security issues.