As smaller countries continue to develop and deploy a variety of tactics for economic advancement and resilience, the viability and enduring effects of these approaches emerge as pivotal factors to consider. The adoption of creative, albeit atypical, methods for generating revenue raises considerations regarding the long-term economic health of these nations, the moral aspects of certain tactics, and the risk of reliance on fluctuating markets or arrangements that are susceptible to political influences.

1. Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program: Established in 1984, this program offers citizenship through investment in either the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) or real estate. It has become a model for similar programs worldwide, emphasizing security, financial opportunity, and contributing significantly to the local economy through direct investments in community-focused projects​​​​.

2. Comoros Citizenship for Stateless Individuals: The Comoros Citizenship by Investment program, initiated in 2001 and based on the Economic Citizenship Act of 2008, aimed to alleviate statelessness, especially for the Bidoon community in the Gulf states. Despite its termination in 2013, the program had issued 52,000 passports, generating substantial revenue and sparking debates about the complexities and ethical considerations of citizenship by investment schemes​​​​​​.

3. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Snail Export: Bosnia and Herzegovina has leveraged its unique position in the global food industry by exporting snails, tapping into a niche market with significant growth potential. The country’s exports have grown impressively over the years, showcasing its ability to identify and capitalize on unique agricultural export opportunities. This strategy not only diversifies its economy but also highlights the potential for other nations to explore unconventional resources for economic gain​​​​.

4. Antigua’s Arms Deals: In 1989, Antigua was involved in a dubious arms deal, ordering about 10 tons of weapons, supposedly for the Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force, which only had 70 members. The weapons, which included Uzis and assault rifles, were quickly transferred to another ship upon arrival. It was later discovered that these weapons ended up with Colombian cartel leader Gonzalo Rodriguez Gacha. The prime minister’s son was implicated in the scheme, which was believed to be orchestrated by Maurice Sarfati, an Israeli with close ties to the Bird family in Antigua.

5. Nauru’s West End Musical Investment: Nauru’s attempt to diversify its economy included investing in a London West End musical. This unconventional strategy was part of Nauru’s broader efforts to find new revenue streams beyond its traditional phosphate mining operations. The investment highlights the lengths to which small nations might go to bolster their economies, even if the ventures involve significant risks and may not always succeed.

6. Stamp Sales in Tristan da Cunha, Saint Helena, and Ascension Island: These remote islands have capitalized on the global philately market by issuing unique postage stamps. This strategy turns a traditional aspect of sovereignty — the issuance of postage stamps — into a source of revenue by targeting collectors worldwide. The uniqueness and limited availability of these stamps can drive their value and appeal in the global philatelic community, showcasing an innovative way to generate income.

7. Tuvalu’s Internet Domain Sales: Tuvalu has leveraged its .tv domain in a landmark deal with GoDaddy, positioning itself to earn an estimated $10 million annually from leasing this digital asset to online streaming sites and other entities​​. This approach underscores the potential of digital resources as significant revenue sources for small nations. The .tv domain, popular due to its association with television and video content, has become a critical asset for Tuvalu, contributing significantly to its gross national income​​. The domain’s management and marketing have evolved over time, with Tuvalu engaging in partnerships that maximize its financial benefits, demonstrating strategic use of digital real estate in the internet age​​.

8. Tonga’s Passport Sales: Tonga initiated a controversial passport sales program in the early 1980s, aiming to boost its economy by selling citizenship to foreigners. This program, however, was marred by a lack of regulation and oversight, leading to scandals and legal issues. The passports were initially intended to offer visa-free travel benefits without imposing any duties of citizenship, such as tax obligations. The program inadvertently led to the establishment of foreign communities, particularly of Chinese origin, in Tonga, sparking local unrest and highlighting the program’s unintended social consequences. The involvement of high-profile individuals and the royal family in these sales added to the controversy, ultimately affecting Tonga’s international reputation and leading to a demand for greater transparency and governance in such schemes​​​​​​.

9. Saint Lucia’s Diplomatic Strategy: While specific details on Saint Lucia’s diplomatic strategy were not covered in the recent search, it’s known that small nations like Saint Lucia have historically leveraged diplomatic recognition and alliances for economic aid and political support. These strategies often involve navigating complex international relationships and making strategic decisions that align with national interests, including financial aid, development assistance, and political support on the international stage.

These sections illustrate the diverse strategies small nations employ to generate revenue and navigate international relations. From selling passports to leveraging diplomatic strategies and taxing the diaspora, these approaches reflect the innovative and sometimes controversial measures taken to support their economies and maintain sovereignty in a globalized world.