African Small Island Developing States (ASIDS) and goodinternational citizenship

There are those who argue that a state embodying good international citizenship must actively seek to improve the world around it, thereby making a positive contribution to overcome global challenges, and it must also be a proponent of multilateral cooperation usually manifesting in global platforms such as the United Nations. The key to good citizenship must also be evidence of a dedicated effort to strengthen the rules governing the international order. Scholars refer to middle-power states as custodians of emerging international norms that pave a pathway forward for the community of states. But what of the small states? Do they have a role to play as good international citizens? Small-state literature refers to the nuances involved in small-state agency or influence, for example, administrative competence in areas such as initiative and diplomatic, coalition, and leadership skills, as well as the image of small states, their reputation as norm entrepreneurs, and their supposed neutrality in international events. This chapter explores the notion of good international citizenship and its desirability, and applicability, in relation to the six African Small Island Developing States (ASIDS): Cabo Verde, Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritius, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Seychelles.