This paper by Lino Briguglio from the University of Malta's Foundation for International Studies explores the economic vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). SIDS face unique disadvantages due to their small size, insularity, remoteness, and susceptibility to natural disasters, which make their economies highly vulnerable to external forces. The paper discusses these vulnerabilities and attempts to construct a composite vulnerability index using economic variables such as exposure to foreign economic conditions, insularity and remoteness, and disaster proneness. The index is designed to measure economic resilience rather than poverty or underdevelopment. The study finds that SIDS tend to have higher vulnerability scores compared to other countries, indicating their fragility in the face of external shocks. Despite their high GDP per capita, many SIDS are economically fragile and vulnerable to natural disasters and foreign economic conditions. The paper concludes with policy recommendations for improving the resilience of SIDS, emphasizing the need for international cooperation and specific measures to address their vulnerabilities.This paper by Lino Briguglio from the University of Malta's Foundation for International Studies explores the economic vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). SIDS face unique disadvantages due to their small size, insularity, remoteness, and susceptibility to natural disasters, which make their economies highly vulnerable to external forces. The paper discusses these vulnerabilities and attempts to construct a composite vulnerability index using economic variables such as exposure to foreign economic conditions, insularity and remoteness, and disaster proneness. The index is designed to measure economic resilience rather than poverty or underdevelopment. The study finds that SIDS tend to have higher vulnerability scores compared to other countries, indicating their fragility in the face of external shocks. Despite their high GDP per capita, many SIDS are economically fragile and vulnerable to natural disasters and foreign economic conditions. The paper concludes with policy recommendations for improving the resilience of SIDS, emphasizing the need for international cooperation and specific measures to address their vulnerabilities.