Oil wealth raises Guyana's importance but not its influence, Phillips tells new defence institute

GEORGETOWN, Guyana. Small states must strengthen their influence through multilateralism, strategic partnerships and informed decision-making as the global balance of power shifts, Guyana's prime minister, Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips, said on Thursday.

Phillips was speaking at the inaugural lecture of the National Defence Institute, titled "Big Powers, Small States in the Evolving World Order", held at Base Camp Ayanganna.

He said that while Guyana's rapid economic transformation and growing petroleum revenues had raised its profile internationally, this did not automatically translate into greater influence among global powers.

"Today, Guyana is prosperous in this hemisphere. Yes, there is a lot of revenue," he said, adding that as a small nation "your importance in relation to the great powers will improve, but not necessarily your influence."

Security beyond defence

The prime minister described multilateralism as a critical platform through which smaller states can advance their interests, protect their sovereignty and pursue development. He also stressed the links between defence and security and energy, food and climate security, saying these must remain central to Guyana's development agenda.

He said the creation of the institute reflected the government's recognition of the need to strengthen research, scholarship and strategic thinking as Guyana takes on wider economic and geopolitical responsibilities. National development, he said, must be supported by investment in defence and security alongside improvements in the social and economic sectors.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, said the institute would bring together military personnel, government officials, academics and private sector representatives to examine issues affecting national security and development. He said its lecture series would encourage greater awareness, collaboration and informed discussion.

Avoiding dependence

The inaugural lecture was delivered by Professor Amitav Acharya, who examined the changing world order, great power rivalry and the role of small states. He encouraged countries such as Guyana to build partnerships across areas of mutual interest rather than become overly dependent on any single global power.

The lecture forms part of the institute's efforts to promote strategic dialogue, advance research and strengthen Guyana's ability to respond to national, regional and international security challenges.