BLUF
The UN planned step-away from special international support may signal progress; but deep economic and climate vulnerabilities risk leaving the country more exposed unless transition settings and partner support are carefully managed.Learning Outcomes
• Understand how structural vulnerability shapes national development choices — the article explains why income growth alone does not reduce exposure to shocks.
• Assess the role of external partners in managing transitions — it shows how donor settings and financing terms influence outcomes.
• Recognise trade-offs in international policy frameworks — it highlights limits in current graduation criteria for small, exposed economies.
