How can small states overcome their vulnerability and become proactive in the international system?

I met enthusiastic students at the Riga Stradins University in Latvia and gave a lecture on small states in the international system with a special focus on small states in the United Nations and the European Union. A colleague of mine, Maris Cepuritis, at the University focuses specially on small states' foreign policy.  I was impressed how much the students know about small states and Iceland  :-).   Latvia is preparing to take over the Presidency of the European Union and it is encouraging for other small states to see how well Latvia and the two other Baltic states are doing in the EU. The Latvians take their role within the EU seriously and are preparing very well for running the Presidency in the first half of 2015. They feel that they are now full participants in the European project and can have a say within the Union.