Should papers be written from the context of a developing nation, rather than just an island? How can I show the relevance of my research to the USA, UK, the EU? Do I use my country's demographic distribution, for example to show other nations that what I have discerned could apply to them as well? What slant might enhance the perceived breadth of appeal of a paper?
I know that problem, even if my island is not an island (Ecuador). It is hard to show the relevance of a small country of the global south - at least, if that country does not have some spectacular issue (in the case of island that could be the real problem of slowly disappearing in the sea). In general, I think the only way is to connect one's research to the big issues of one's discipline. For instance, concrete examples of migration, political organization or the development of counter-discourses that connect directly to the big questions of migration research, social movement studies or discursive hegemony in nowadays social sciences. Even so, that is always a trial-and-error method. Good luck!
Anybody on any island or small nation can tackle problems of global interest and concern.
Our interests as academics are wider than those espoused by high-income, 'big' nations and relevance depends on scientific rigour, quality and interest of the subject area. I guess, following Philipp's line of thought the smaller issues emerging from countries of the Global South, like acorns, can grow into mighty oaks for the world to see.
Perhaps you could consider flipping the question : the application of global models to local contexts
Taking the global context or model and evaluating applicability to the small nation as Ian and Robert have recommended is a very useful approach. Also, Philipp's and Jonathan's contributions about linking your concept as a sub area in a global focus area and ensuring that your approach to the study is sound are very solid. I appreciate the feedback and suggestions shared.
I have been thinking that the practices of the small nation may also be of interest to large nations that have migrant populations from similar small nations. The literature review or background would have to establish the relevance of the population composition along with the review of the global model(s) being considered.
I have heard also though I'm currently trying to find a reference to support it that increasingly examiners and reviewers are looking at research in non-western settings as much of the literature is set only in that context, for example business organisational literature etc. I think your research being set in a different context to most is strength not a weakness.
We did research on the small Shetland Isles and it received international attention.
Publish in good and relevant journals and all will be well.
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