COOPERATION BETWEEN SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED COUNTRIES
Amid increasing great power rivalry, growing protectionism, and escalating conflicts across the world, small and medium-sized countries such as South Korea and Singapore benefit from closer cooperation.
It can provide a better leverage against global uncertainties, build capacity to respond to shared challenges and threats, and contribute towards shoring up a regional and global order conducive to both security and socioeconomic growth.
In light of South Korea’s ambition to become a “global pivotal state” and its commitment to expand its diplomatic horizons to the wider region, Seoul should sustain this greater emphasis 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.
