In many respects a skilful use of diplomacy within the framework of a prudent and well thought out foreign policy is a small state's first line of defence. Since these states have no military or economic power to wield they are forced to rely on diplomatic means in order to convey to other countries the nature of their national interests in the different areas of international relations that are vital not just to their security but to their very survival. And it is only through effective diplomacy that they can hope to persuade wealthy and powerful nations to enter into relationships with them which can work to their material advantage without necessarily entailing unacceptable constraints on their sovereignty and genuine independence.