Singapore's Venezuela Wake-Up Call: Are We Next?!

Commentary: Three Lessons for Singapore from US Actions in Venezuela

Singapore's Venezuela Wake-Up Call: Are We Next?!

The recent US intervention in Venezuela, framed as a law enforcement operation but clearly driven by larger strategic goals, sends shivers down the spines of nations around the globe. According to Joseph Liow, dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, this isn't just about Donald Trump's unpredictable nature, but rather a calculated move with profound implications. What does this mean for a country like Singapore, deeply invested in a stable international order?

Firstly, the notion that big powers need the US to set a precedent for expansionism is frankly, a bit naive. As Liow points out, some nations are already actively pursuing their own agendas, irrespective of what Washington does. Think about China's activities in the South China Sea, or Russia's ongoing involvement in Ukraine. These actions demonstrate that national interests often trump (pun intended) international law.

The second key takeaway is the hollowness of legal justifications when power dynamics are at play. The US might try to paint its actions in Venezuela as a legitimate pursuit of a drug trafficker, but the world sees a clear power play. And let's be honest, the plan to control Venezuelan oil makes things even more obvious. Similarly, the Permanent Court of Arbitration's ruling on the South China Sea hasn't exactly deterred Beijing. International law, while important, only carries weight when it aligns with the interests of powerful nations.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the US action has eroded its own moral authority. It's tough to lecture other countries about respecting international law when you're actively undermining it yourself. This hypocrisy makes it harder for the US to credibly condemn expansionist moves by other nations. As an observer, it's clear the world stage is becoming increasingly defined by brute force and strategic maneuvering. Singapore, like other smaller nations, needs to navigate this complex landscape with care, prioritizing its own national interests and diversifying its relationships to avoid being caught in the crossfire of great power competition. This situation demonstrates that we can only rely on ourselves.