Singapore's Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan warned on Monday (Mar 3) that the rules-based international order is at risk of collapsing, and a new world order is emerging characterized by unpredictability, instability, and volatility. He outlined the shift from unipolarity to multipolarity, free trade to protectionism, and multilateralism to unilateralism, highlighting the challenges this poses for Singapore.
Singapore 's Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan warned on Monday (Mar 3) that the rules-based international order, which has prevailed for 80 years, is at risk of collapsing into a 'law of the jungle' where 'might makes right'. He stated that a new world order is emerging, characterized by profound unpredictability, instability, and volatility.
Balakrishnan outlined the shift in the global landscape, highlighting the move from unipolarity to multipolarity, free trade to protectionism, multilateralism to unilateralism, globalization to hyper-nationalism, openness to xenophobia, and optimism to anxiety. He pointed out that big powers are adopting a narrower view of their national interests, employing a more transactional and sometimes coercive approach. The lack of strategic trust between these powers, coupled with a deep anxiety to stay ahead of each other, is leading to sharper rivalry, autarky, and the fragmentation of global supply chains.Countries are turning inward, ostensibly in the name of national security, resilience, and de-risking, to secure their individual interests in this turbulent environment. Balakrishnan expressed concern that this trend could result in a world divided into blocs controlled by big powers, ultimately leading to a loss of choice and autonomy for smaller states. He identified three key implications for Singapore: trade, war, and the global commons. He warned about the potential for trade wars, as countries, including major powers, use restrictions like tariffs to address non-trade-related policy objectives, applying them to partners, competitors, and adversaries alike. Singapore, as an open economy, relies on global trade, and these tariffs will significantly impact the country's role as a transshipment hub. Balakrishnan also highlighted the growing scrutiny of advanced technology, noting that Singapore may face criticism for collaborating with or hosting companies and officials from different sides of geopolitical divides. This pressure could threaten Singapore's position as an open hub. He emphasized the need for Singapore to maintain a balanced and constructive engagement with all partners while remaining principled, calm, confident, and relevant. He urged Singaporeans to forge an 'unbreakable unity' to face the future with confidence and emerge stronger
Singapore Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan International Order New World Order Geopolitical Shift Trade War Technology Global Commons Multilateralism Unilateralism Unpredictability Instability Volatility National Security Hypernationalism Xenophobia
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