'Colomer's book is a stimulating read, certainly for anyone willing to entertain nonconventional observations that hold up well in what is happening in the world. His most important argument is that global public services, such as security, a trading system, an international monetary regime, and communication networks provided by large democratic entities such as the United States and the European Union provide opportunities for small countries and regions to prosper. The successful smaller units - like Ireland or Catalonia - trade more in proportion to their economies than large ones, are generally more democratic, and have more multilingual populations. I expect this book to be widely read and greatly admired.' - Sidney Weintraub, William E. Simon Chair in Political Economy, Centre for Strategic and International Studies, Washington DC, USA

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Imperial Opportunity for Small Nations Part 1: Empires, States and Nations 1. Great Empires 2. Sovereign States 3. Small Nations 4. Nation Building and Deconstructing Part 2: Broad Alliances, Small Governments 5. Military Alliances 6. Market Agreements 7. Linguas Francas 8. Small Democracies Part 3: The European Empire 9. Unity in Diversity 10. Self-Government a la Carte 11. A Case of a Failing Nation-State 12. Multilevel Democracy Conclusion: After Sovereignties

Author Biography

Josep M. Colomer is a member by election of the Academia Europaea and life member of the American Political Science Association. He is currently a Research Professor at the CSIC and the Pompeu Fabra University (in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, Europe).