Small states in a challenging world

David Skilling

A special presentation by Dr David Skilling on Small states in a challenging world will be hosted at the New Zealand Mission on Monday, 25 June at 1000hrs. The presentation will be framed around a recent discussion paper written on the performance and prospects for small states available at: www.landfallstrategy.com/discussion-papers/small-countries/.

Small states in a challenging world

Many small advanced economies have performed strongly over the past few decades, responding flexibly and deliberately to a changing world.  But the global economic and political environment is becoming considerably more challenging for small states – it is more competitive, more turbulent, and less ordered.  In an increasingly uncertain world with the return of big power politics, will small states become increasingly marginal and exposed?  Or will small states be able to continue to adapt to a changing environment in ways that position them for success?  The answer is probably a bit of both.  Many small countries will be able to continue to do well, but the margin for error will be much reduced and the distribution of outcomes across small states is likely to widen.  David will offer some thoughts on the prospects for small states and the priorities for policy debate and action.

David Skilling

David Skilling is the Founding Director of Landfall Strategy Group, a Singapore-based company that provides strategic advice to policy-makers in governments around the world. The focus of David’s work and writing is helping governments of small developed countries interpret and respond to the emerging global economic and political environment.

David is currently the Senior Advisor, Strategy, to the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade in New Zealand, advising on the implications of a changing global economy for New Zealand.

All are welcome to attend - please RSVP to Marine.Thizon@mfat.govt.nz by 20 June.