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The purpose of this article is to identify the national security challenges of a small state, to highlight their external and internal aspects; based on the research, develop a rational economic and political strategy for small powers. The paper is based on the analysis and synthesis of various fundamental literature and specific statistical data. The paper draws conclusions using causeand-effect relationships of facts. Important conclusions and recommendations are presented on key issues and challenges around small countries. This article concerns countries with small powers and their essential features – especially security, economic development, political stability, and foreign policy. It is also well understood today that threats of a military and nonmilitary nature are closely linked and that the aggravation of one leads to the aggravation of another. The systemic approach has taken root in the study of security issues, which involves discussing not just one but all of the potential threats in relation to one another and in one another's context. The results of this study indicate that no matter how flexible a small country's foreign policy is and how quickly it responds to changing conditions and events, it must still define its own strategic goal and make strategic choices. In determining its own national security priorities and foreign policy strategy, a small country must be more precise and infallible than a strong one. A small state that makes the wrong choice in its survival strategy is usually doomed.

The purpose of this paper is to redress the relative shortage of small power studies, expand the theoretical understanding pertaining to this peculiar type of states and reassert the term 'small power' in the relevant literature. The field of international relations (IR) that is devoted to small powers is limited, at least when compared to the material available for larger powers, as small powers were seemingly neglected during the Cold War era. However, small powers today have increased in numbers, as has their impact on the international system; hence, it is imperative that all pertinent definitions and attributes of small powers are examined in order to challenge the consistency and credibility of the term 'small state' over 'small power', as different connotations apply in either case. Adapted from the source document.

A functioning balance-of-power system, comparable to the one which existed throughout the first half of the nineteenth century, limits the ability of Small Powers to achieve their own goals. However, in compensation it provides more real security for them—in terms of the maintenance of independence—than other historical systems, all of which offered the Small Power some elements of maneuverability but to the detriment of long-range security. At first glance the contemporary political system appears to contradict this generalization: Surely, one would presume, the new status of Small Powers reflects a system in which the weaker units of international politics have finally achieved both security and influence. Nevertheless, a closer examination of actual patterns of interaction substantially qualifies this presumption: The original generalization, that is, remains basically sound.

NATO's frontline states cannot prevent a Russian invasion using current operational concepts and equipment. Further, there is increasing uncertainty about America's commitment to defending these states as well as the willingness of European peoples to fight. Fortunately, by applying new operational concepts that combine different training for reservists with emerging small, smart, and inexpensive weapons systems, frontline states can create a porcupine defense to defer and, if necessary, defeat a Russian invasion. Other NATO nations can reinforce the frontline states by purchasing relatively inexpensive, long-range cruise missiles that can provide immediate support to the frontline forces. However, to implement this concept, nations will have to rethink how they train, equip, and employ their military forces.