Understanding Small-Island Developing States

<p>Small island developing states (SIDS) are characterised by high economic geographical and social vulnerability. These states are perceived as economically vulnerable exhibiting poor economic performance and embedding low levels of achieved well-being on most criteria. SIDS which occupy very large parts of the world face idiosyncratic development challenges largely owing to their susceptibility to external shocks. Still these countries are all too often overlooked in the development research literature.</p><p>Arising from a UNU-WIDER research project this book provides in-depth research on the international dimensions of SIDS development experiences. Using a wealth of data as well as case studies the main topics examined comprise: aid policies and growth; the costs of neglect in terms of losses owing to a country falling into the fragile states group of that country and those in its region; the composition of trade and the impact of external shocks and the impact of remittances. The studies jointly provide valuable insights for small islands and other developing countries in the pursuit of sustainable growth and development.</p><p>This book was published as a special issue of the <em>Journal of Development Studies</em>.</p>