Singapore Is Still Not An Island

by Bilahari Kausikan, Tan Lian Choo

Retired Singapore diplomat Bilahari Kausikan gives his perspectives on regional and global developments that pertain to Singapore’s foreign policy. A first collection of essays and public speeches, covering theperiod from Singapore’s independence in 1965 to 2017, was published under the title Singapore Is Not An Island. This second collection of articles and speeches builds on this and covers events up to 2023. Sharing his strategic insights through various essays, talks and papers, Bilahari shows why and how Singapore and Asean should navigate the new strategic environment. Global and regional issues are examined through the realistic lens of Singapore’s foreign policy interests.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Asia

384 pages, Paperback

Published July 6, 2023

Reviews

[Vidhya Nair · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent book on foreign policy. The sections on US, China relations, Middle East crisis and Singapore’s position in all scenarios are illuminating. The collection of published essays and speeches does make it impersonal as a book but its content is sorely lacking in an unintellectual society like Singapore. Bilahari should teach courses at university on diplomacy and his appreciation of the history of politics in the world and locally has shaped his analysis. He highlights the growing Chinese chauvinism we see in Singapore, misguided as he calls it from lack of knowledge. He should write more books in the first person that will appeal to a thinking younger audience

[Sanford Chee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book launch
https://www.rsis.edu.sg/event/rsis-di...

Wong Kan Seng, GoH
S’pore needs to remain relevant in an interconnected world
Cannot insulate itself unlike a remote island
US-China is the defining geopolitical r/s
Decoupling soft paddled to “de-risking”

Bilahari
Singaporeans needs to be >exposed to the complexities of international affairs
Multiracialism = core value of SG
Strategic Triangle of Cold War no longer exists
Risks of accident getting out of hand
Domestic policy is key for determining core National interest in foreign policy

Panelists: Chan Heng Chee, Peter Ho
Hyper realist, hard truths, realpolitik
1/ leaders matters. Have to be aware of your base.
2/ narratives matters
Eg Why SG decided on sanctions on Russia
3/ Retail foreign policy matters
Poisoned shrimp defence, Global City, Non-Aligned, Multi-lateralism
Bldg networks eg FTA, ASEAN, RCEP, TTIP, trans Pacific partnership (TPP) etc

[Nicholas Koh · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Bilahari’s writings are a pleasure to read. He helps you to sharpen your thinking and delivers insights to the geopolitical contests between the major powers, and what it means for Singapore.

[Melvyn Foo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bilahari's acerbic wit is on full display — as usual — which makes for a fun read. I especially appreciated the unequivocal pronouncement of several principles and definitions, including on Singapore's identity and China's interests.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rather thought-provoking and insightful collection of essays on foreign policy from a Singaporean POV with a uniquely ASEAN focus. Do wish the essays could be edited or condensed to avoid the repetition of points.

[Ming Qian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rehashes plenty of the arguments from the first book. I found the analysis in the new chapters on US-China relations most instructive.