Small states are more likely to be perceived as neutral, trustworthy and compliant value-creators in negotiations.
Small states are certainly disadvantaged in the international system. Having a small population inherently inhibits the aggregate structural power of that state, as well as creating hurdles that need to be compensated for and unique needs that have to be fulfilled. Small states are geographically and economically diverse, and thus face different challenges in terms of security and welfare. Nonetheless, they all have to compensate for size-related problems and meet needs that are inherent to their smallness.
https://nationalinterest.org/feature/the-small-state-survival-guide-foreign-policy-success-22526
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