A DIPLOMATIC BALANCING ACT: SINGAPORE’S MIDDLE POWER ROLE IN A COMPLEX GEOPOLITICAL ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

This article examines Singapore’s positioning as a significant international actor and middle power within complex geopolitical and geo-economic dynamics and relations with dominant powers. In this regard, it examines Singapore’s role as a middle power as a balancer and stabilizing actor in international affairs and issues, establishing equilibrium between more dominant powers.

In spite of its modest geographic size, Singapore has consistently and progressively sought to achieve prominence in both regional and international contexts, using economic development, multilateral diplomacy, and soft power instruments to build the country’s image in this context. Moreover, the present analysis has deepened appreciably in the use and implementation of hedging approach and niche diplomacy, which becomes a pivotal point for the exploration of political attitudes to mitigate tensions, as well as differentially increase the country's influence through the process of economic integration of the Southeast Asian region.

The paper highlights Singapore’s high-tech expertise and attachment to multi-vector principles, which likely enhances the country’s potentiality as a middle power.