Drawing from his early posting at the United Nations during the 1968 Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia, Koh emphasized that while powerful nations frequently use force to assert their will, international law remains an essential framework for small states to defend their sovereignty.
Realism and the Limits of Power in International Relations
Recalling his early days representing Singapore at the United Nations in August 1968, Koh noted that the Soviet Union’s invasion of Czechoslovakia served as an immediate reality check. According to interviews with The Straits Times, the young diplomat watched as Security Council resolution attempts were blocked and quashed. Koh stated that the episode proved powerful countries use force to assert their will, though history demonstrates the limits of such power through examples like America’s loss in the Vietnam War and the Soviet Union’s withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Singapore’s Foreign Policy and Agency on the Global Stage
Despite acknowledging a world governed largely by power, Koh argued that small countries retain agency and must push back against violations of international law. According to reporting from Yahoo News and The Straits Times, Singapore has routinely condemned illegal territorial actions, pointing to the Republic’s August public opposition to Israeli residential settlements in the West Bank. Koh emphasized that being a good friend to a powerful nation does not require silence or unconditional support when international laws are flouted.
Pro Tip: Maintaining diplomatic autonomy allows small nations to uphold core principles without being bound by the mutual defense obligations of formal superpowers, according to historical foreign policy consensus in Singapore.
Multilateralism and the Role of Small States
To amplify the voices of nations disadvantaged by global power dynamics, Koh helped co-found the Forum of Small States in New York in 1992. Starting with 16 members, the informal grouping has expanded to 108 countries, providing a crucial platform for collaborative leverage. Furthermore, Koh noted that despite major powers occasionally damaging multilateral systems—citing Russian actions in Ukraine, U.S. military actions, and Israeli actions in Gaza—the vast majority of the United Nations’ 193 member states continue to support international institutions and treaties.
FAQ Section
Who is Tommy Koh?
Tommy Koh is Singapore’s longest-serving diplomat, a law academic, and a principal architect behind international agreements such as the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). He retired from the foreign service in August after 55 years.
What was the Forum of Small States?
Co-founded by Singapore in 1992, the Forum of Small States is an informal UN grouping that grew from 16 to 108 member nations, giving smaller countries a collective platform to address shared concerns.
How does Singapore approach major superpower competition?
Singapore maintains a policy of close association with major powers like the United States without entering formal alliances, thereby preserving its autonomy and room for diplomatic maneuver.
Did You Know? Tommy Koh delivered Singapore’s official United Nations statement regarding the 1983 United States invasion of Grenada early in his diplomatic career.
Navigating Multi-Polarity and Domestic Consensus
Looking toward an increasingly multi-polar global order featuring prospective superpowers like China alongside the European Union, India, and other regional groups, Koh stressed the importance of domestic unity. According to source reporting, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must actively convince the domestic population that non-aligned, rational foreign policies serve the national interest over emotional reactions. By balancing realism with active diplomacy, Singapore aims to preserve its sovereign rights and security in a complex world.
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