Security Concerns of Small Island States 

Many of the region’s small developing countries—particularly Caribbean island nations—have been working to expand the notion of security beyond its traditional militaristic framework. The idea is that social, economic and environmental factors can pose a threat to security and to democracy, especially in the most vulnerable countries. 

For example, many small developing island states have highlighted the devastating impact of natural disasters such as hurricanes and volcanic eruptions, and the consequences of environmental changes such as the rise in sea levels. Such problems can produce serious economic consequences for people, which in turn can lead to political instability and increased vulnerability. The same concern about vulnerability surrounds discussions about the transshipment of hazardous waste through the Caribbean Sea.  

Many trade and economic issues also affect security, according to representatives of the smaller OAS member states. If smaller countries lose their traditional economic bases in the process of economic integration, they will be more susceptible to the corrosive influence of organized crime, including drug trafficking.  

As a result of such concerns, the OAS has undertaken action in several areas, including:

Democracy—The OAS Unit for the Promotion of Democracy has undertaken programs to promote democratic values and practices, support legislative institutions, provide electoral assistance and provide civil society participation.

Combating drugs—Through the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission, the OAS has trained drug interdiction personnel, provided anti-narcotics equipment and assisted countries in their anti-drug programs.

Environment—The OAS Unit for Sustainable Development and the Environment has carried out projects to mitigate the effects of natural disasters in the Caribbean. The OAS and other inter-American bodies have also formed the Inter-American Committee on Natural Disasters Reduction to assist affected countries.

Tourism—Through its Inter-Sectoral Unit for Tourism, the OAS is supporting efforts to assist small hotel operators, provide the latest technology and promote awareness of the tourism potential of the Caribbean’s rich cultural heritage.

Trade—The OAS Trade Unit is providing support to smaller economies in the negotiations to create a Free Trade Area of the Americas. 

This broad approach to security, while not new, has gained greater visibility in recent years. In 1998, an OAS high-level meeting in El Salvador focused on the special security concerns of small countries, and in 2000, the OAS Committee on Hemispheric Security examined the issue. At the April 2001 Summit of the Americas, the hemisphere’s leaders reiterated their commitment “to combat new, multi-dimensional threats to the security of our societies.” They recognized that for small, vulnerable countries, threats to security include the problem of illegal drugs, arms trafficking, increasing crime and corruption, environmental vulnerability and health threats, including HIV/AIDS. 

At their June 2001 meeting in Costa Rica, the hemisphere’s foreign ministers resolved to convene a second high-level meeting on this topic immediately before the next regular session of the OAS General Assembly, which is scheduled to be hosted by Barbados in June 2002. 

Last updated: February 2002