Jatin Mech^1,, Abhijit Bhuyan²

The small states enjoy equal status with other states. But due to the hierarchical nature of power in the regional system, the security interests and requirements of these states are not similar to the big and powerful states in global politics. The factors that broadly affect the security of such small states are their size, sparse population, limited resource base, lack of cohesion of the population, short of democratic structure, proximity to big neighbors, and threats to their ecology. The factor impinge on the ability of these states is to make itself secure and provide security to its citizen. It is impossible for them to obtain security by using their own capabilities. They have to rely on assistance from neighbours and other states for their security matters. It thus requires substantial assistance and support provided both on a bilateral basis and multilaterally through international institutions. Therefore, a new conceptual framework is urgently needed to study the non-traditional security issues of these small states.

environment security, national security, security issues, small states, South Asia