Diplomacy is a Matter of Timing | Ashok Kumar Mirpuri | TEDxSingapore

Key Concepts

Multipolar world order, Singapore's interests, International law, Diplomacy for small countries, ASEAN platform, Historical context in diplomacy, Zero-sum vs. Win-win, Trust in diplomacy.

The Shifting World Order and Singapore's Position

The discussion begins by acknowledging the emergence of a multipolar world order, moving away from a US-dominated (or bipolar) system. While power shifts are constant, the pace of change feels accelerated. The key takeaway is that Singapore, like any nation, must be clear about its interests and values to navigate this evolving landscape. These interests provide a value system that guides reactions and decisions.

Singapore's Non-Neutral Stance and International Law

The speaker refutes the notion of Singapore being a neutral country. Instead, Singapore is driven by its interests, which sometimes align with taking a firm stance, such as the sanctions against Russia for the invasion of Ukraine. This decision was not influenced by other countries but by Singapore's commitment to upholding international law. For a small country, international law is crucial for its protection and operational space in a challenging global environment. Neutral countries like Switzerland and Costa Rica avoid conflict, but Singapore cannot afford to do so due to its geographical position.

Diplomacy as a Small Country: Nimbleness and Ideas

The discussion highlights the unique challenges and advantages of diplomacy for a small country like Singapore. While larger nations might exert influence through force or size, Singapore relies on nimbleness, intellectual depth, and the ability to offer valuable ideas. This approach allows Singapore to gain access and influence, even in forums dominated by larger powers. The example of Singapore being the only small country invited for a state visit by the Obama administration in 2016 underscores this point.

The ASEAN Platform and Regional Engagement

Singapore leverages the ASEAN platform to engage with larger countries. It helps these countries understand and work with ASEAN as a multilateral grouping. Singapore offers ideas and facilitates engagement, working with ASEAN partners to gain attention in major global capitals. This is particularly important as some countries are unsure how to deal with a grouping like ASEAN.

Diplomacy with Neighbors: Historical Context and Long-Term Vision

The discussion emphasizes the complexities of diplomacy with neighboring countries like Indonesia and Malaysia. These relationships are akin to family ties, with more frequent and potentially deeper tensions. Understanding the historical context, including the separation of Singapore from Malaysia and the period of "Confrontasi" with Indonesia, is crucial. While acknowledging the past, diplomats must also offer a long-term vision of cooperation and mutual benefit. The example of the Causeway between Singapore and Malaysia, one of the busiest border crossings in the world, illustrates the potential for seamless relations despite historical complexities. Issues like the boundary between the two countries, dealt with the issues like Pedra Brana, uh dealt with the issues like the railway land each one of these issues had a long history because we were meant to be one country and when you get through that so it becomes a slightly more complicated relationship.

Adapting to Change and Building Trust

Diplomats must adapt to changes in leadership and administrations, both in Singapore and in the countries they work with. Building trust and long-term relationships is essential. The speaker notes that knowing individuals who later rose to positions of power in Indonesia allowed for more effective communication and collaboration based on mutual understanding and trust.

Beyond Win-Win: Understanding Mutual Interests

The discussion moves beyond the concept of "win-win" to emphasize the importance of understanding each other's interests and finding areas of complementarity. Singapore and its neighbors are geographically bound together, making cooperation essential. The role of the diplomat is to foster this understanding and identify overlapping interests.

The Enduring Value of Traditional Diplomacy

Despite the rise of instant news and social media, the core values of traditional diplomacy remain crucial. Diplomats who spend extended periods in a country, build relationships, and gain trust are uniquely positioned to understand perspectives and facilitate cooperation.

Conclusion

Singapore's diplomatic success hinges on a combination of factors: a clear understanding of its interests, a commitment to international law, nimbleness and intellectual depth, leveraging the ASEAN platform, understanding historical context, adapting to change, building trust, and seeking mutual benefit with its neighbors and the wider world.