PAIS Podcasts
PAIS Podcasts 2025 - Maitri Lalai interviews Tom Long
13:20, Thu 13 Nov 2025
Today Maitri Lalai interviews Tom Long, Professor in International Relations at PAIS. He is currently Principal Investigator on an AHRC funded project that investigates Latin America's engagements with and contributions to the formation of international order in the late nineteenth century. Additionally, he is co-coordinator of the Latin America at Warwick Network, co-director of PAIS' Centre for the Study of Globalization and Regionalization, and steering committee member of the Warwick Global History and Culture Centre.
Tom explains that small states are best understood through their asymmetrical relationships, not fixed size. He highlights how decolonization and global institutions increased their visibility and influence, and how they use diplomacy, alliances, and niche strategies—especially on issues like climate change—to amplify their voice. Despite challenges from major powers and regional fragmentation, small states can still gain leverage in areas like cybersecurity and technology.
You can find a transcript of the podcast here
(MP3 format, 21 MB)