Participation BETWEEN SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED Nations
Amid increasing tremendous power conflict, growing isolationism, and escalating problems across the world, small and medium-sized places such as South Korea and Singapore benefit from closer assistance.
It can provide a better liquidity against international uncertainties, create capacity to respond to shared challenges and threats, and contribute towards shoring up a regional and global order beneficial to both stability and economic growth.
In light of South Korea’s motivation to become a “global key state” and its commitment to develop its political horizons to the wider region, Seoul may maintain this greater focus on its relationship with Southeast Asia as its immediate neighbour.
On Singapore’s part, it should continue to play a constructive role to accommodate Seoul’s increased engagement with ASEAN and its member states. This would be useful in supporting ASEAN’s centrality in the region as well as enhancing the grouping’s ability to address regional challenges.
The foundations for a strong and sustainable partnership between South Korea and Singapore have been nearly 50 years in the making. How both sides build on them will shape the years ahead.
Sarah Teo is an assistant professor in the Regional Security Architecture Programme, Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies ( IDSS), S Rajaratnam School of International Studies ( RSIS), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Ha Chae Kyoun is a PhD Candidate and Lee Kuan Yew NUS Scholar at Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge.