Author Description

This book is an outcome of the research undertaken as a result of the growing collaboration between the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Islands and the Small States Institute of the University of Malta. The main message of the book is that appropriate macroeconomic and microeconomic policies can, to an extent, mitigate the drawbacks of economic vulnerability. Several chapters in the book make the distinction between inherent and self-inflicted vulnerability. There is an attempt to clarify terms by associating vulnerability with inherent features such as economic exposure and export concentration, and resilience with man-made policies, including good governance. While it is important for small states to recognise and come to terms with inherent and permanent development handicaps, arising from small economic size, it is equally important that these countries adopt policy measures which enable them to build their resilience to improve the standard of living of their population. This title covers 14 chapters, with an introduction by the editors and contributions by various authors. Published by the Islands and Small States Institute, Malta and the Commonwealth Secretariat.