Saad Masood
The recent breakthrough summit between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un took place in Singapore. The fact it was chosen over other locations is not surprising because as far as city states go, none is as successful as Singapore. It ranks near the top of the list in many worldwide rankings of diverse spheres. Both IMF and World Bank rank Singapore 3rd in the world for GDP per capita. The UN holds it at 9th when it comes to human development index. Singapore’s index of economic freedom is 2nd globally as per the Wall Street Journal. World Bank puts it at 2nd for ease of doing business just behind New Zealand. And it is also deemed as the most liveable city for Asian expats. Considering that it is quite a nascent country, only gaining complete independence in 1965, this is quite a feat. How did Singapore get here in such a short span of time? The answer, a text book execution of national security policy while aligning it with broader concepts of national purpose and national interests!
As former opinion pieces in this series have suggested, policy is a motivating vision with specific ends and objectives to be achieved. The national security policy of Singapore is no different. It has been put forth by the political leadership of the country and has been followed by vigour since the inception of the city state. That this national security policy has worked wonders is not disputed, what is amazing is how it has been linked back to national purpose and national interests of Singapore while keeping it in sync with the underlying strategies to achieve its policy aims. Consider.
If Singapore’s national security policy was to be summed up in one sentence, it would be this – honourable survival and consistent economic growth through co-habitation, at home and abroad. The objectives of this policy are four-fold. One, survive respectably in a hungry region where there are bigger and more powerful neighbours and countries. Two, turn Singapore into a regional economic power house to ‘punch above its weight’. Three, strive for regional peace first and global peace second. Four, maintain and increase quality of Singaporean life.
Note that this national security policy has not been born out of isolation. It stems out of the defined national interests of the country which, in turn, take its inspiration from the national purpose.
National interests are broadly defined as a nation’s goals and ambitions which are vital for its survival. These are often referred to by the French expression raison d’état, which means reason of state. The aforementioned national security policy furthers five distinct Singaporean national interests. First, the country needs to be a successful and vibrant economy. Second, it should not become a vassal state – meaning Singapore cannot be bought nor can be bullied. Third, aim to be a friend to all, but an enemy of none. Fourth, promote a global world order governed by the rule of law and international norms. Fifth, act as a credible and consistent partner.
These national interests don’t act in separation and line up directly with the overall national purpose of Singapore. Colloquially, national purpose is defined by the French phrase raison d’être. This simply means reason to exist. In political terms, it highlights the reason for a nation to be. For Singapore, it is reflected in the national pledge which focuses on three tenets. Firstly, Singaporeans are one united people regardless of race, language, or religion. Secondly, the republic will be a democratic society based on justice and equality. Thirdly, achieve happiness, prosperity, and progress for all within this nation. This serves the de-facto secular national identity of Singapore.
It is a great achievement of Singaporean leaders to have the national purpose feed into the national interests which subsequently leverage the national security policy. The harmony between the three is difficult to obtain let alone to maintain it after all these years since 1965!
However, the story of Singapore’s success is not complete without discussing the underlying strategies that execute the policy objectives stated in the national security policy. Recall that previous op-eds defined strategy as ‘means to an end’. Those ends being the aims of the stated policy. This is also true in the case of Singapore as it embarked upon the following critical strategies to reach its policy goals.
Strategy one is maintaining security within and outside of Singapore. This is the foremost strategy to safeguard national interests and achieve national security policy aims. To that end, Singapore has devised a national security strategy called ‘the fight against terror’. This is because Singapore believes that transnational terrorism poses a serious and prolonged threat to Singapore’s national security. After experiencing a spate of terrorist acts in the past and considering the convergence of local and global terrorist outfits, this strategy suggests a three-prong approach to national security. Prevention – using intelligence and inter-agency co-ordination to eliminate security lapses. Protection – uplifting the capacity of homeland security. Response – Singapore must have the means of responding swiftly to restore the country to a state of normalcy in the event of a terrorist act.
The second strategy for Singapore has been its desire to play an energetic role in the comity of nations. On a regional and global level, Singapore has reached out to neighbours and countries to become part of initiatives to achieve peaceful co-existence. It was a founding member of ASEAN in 1967 to seek strong co-operation within countries in South East Asia. Singapore has also been an active WTO member since 1995 and a member of GATT since 1973. Since independence, it has been a member of the UN with non-permanent Nationals Security Council seat.
Strategy three is to become the trading hub for the region especially considering that Singapore is sitting at the mouth of the Strait of Malacca. For this to happen, it has created a very strong infrastructure and shipping environment. So much so that 80% of global oil shipping happens through its state of the art port. Furthermore, 8 out of 10 of the world’s leading commodities trading companies have a presence in Singapore and the government is continuing to strengthen the ecosystem to maintain its status as a leading trading centre for commodities.
The fourth strategy is to become ‘business friendly’ which Singapore has focused on since its inception. This has also resulted it in becoming a financial hub for the region rivalling Hong Kong. This is likewise in part because of the financial security it provides for the capital of all Asians at large who cannot protect their wealth in their own country. In that aspect Singapore has become the ‘Switzerland of Asia-pacific’. Moreover, large MNCs and global chains have setup shop in the country therefore increasing international stakes and almost guaranteeing stability of Singapore.
In conclusion, to say that Singapore is a regional success story would be unfair. It is a blueprint for global success that other developing nations should emulate. More importantly, it is the way Singapore has setup its national security policy to further its national interests and justify its national purpose that should be commended. And that is what emerging countries should take to heart. Anything less will not suffice in these trying times!
