The approach of geopolitics, theories of neo-realism and liberal-institutionalism, along with the approach of small state studies, form the theoretical framework for the examination of the subject.
Auk kenninga ný-raunhyggju og frjálslyndrar stofnanahyggju er litið til kenninga um landfræðilegt mikilvægi en einnig nálgunar smáríkjafræða.