Eh, you know how sometimes things feel different, like the world is shifting? Well, SM Lee just gave a speech about it. Basically, the US is changing its tune on global stuff, and Singapore needs to adjust. Sounds serious, right? Don’t worry, we’ll break it down in a way that makes sense for us, the everyday Singaporean. Let’s get into it, shall we?
Global Landscape: Shifting Sands
- US is changing its approach to global affairs.
“Singapore must adapt to a “new reality” of a far less orderly and predictable international environment – one where the United States is no longer prepared to underwrite global order…”
- US is now more transactional.
“It takes a transactional approach to achieve its immediate objectives…”
- Geopolitical tensions remain high.
“US-China relations remain fraught, with fundamental differences unresolved…”
The Problem: Uncertainty Ahead
- Many Singaporeans seem unaware of the changes.
“Huge fking change in the US and I see people here like don’t even know or care.”
- Singapore could be caught in the crossfire.
“I believe we should be wary of Trojan Horses before anything else, otherwise we’d just become like Troy.”
- Need to understand the US’s new priorities.
“The US is no longer prepared to underwrite the global order. This makes the international environment far less orderly and predictable…”
The Solution: Adapt and Thrive
- Understand the US’s new priorities.
“Singapore, like all other countries, must adapt to this new reality, even as we seek to maintain our strong ties and friendship with the US.”
- Diversify partnerships.
“Having multi-polar development is actually such a great opportunity for Singapore and the rest of Asia.”
- Stay informed and engaged.
“Uncertainty is going to hit all of us hard. Many of us are going to be much more affected one way or another by the whims of politicians in countries far away.”
