Second class states

States may become preoccupied at the lack of consideration accorded to their country in world affairs or to the erosion of any leadership role they may have held over some period. The risk of acquiring the reputation of a second class state may drive the government to extremes to acquire new status. Such extremes may include wastage of resources on prestige projects or the development of a high technology weapons capability.

1. Unbridled competition among states
2. Mediocrity of government leaders
3. Denial of right to equality between states
4. Decline of the nation-state
5. Class consciousness

1. Vulnerability of small nations to foreign intervention
2. Insecurity and vulnerability of non-nuclear weapon states
3. Excessively costly prestige projects

1. Non-viability of small states and territories

1. Loss of international leadership

1. Self-government
2. Loss
3. Leadership
4. Government