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Singapore Is Not An Island: Views On Singapore Foreign Policy
“Diplomacy is not about being nice, polite or agreeable. It is fundamentally about protecting and promoting the country’s interests, preferably by being nice but, if necessary, by other appropriate means.” —Bilahari Kausikan
Small states are always vulnerable. It is this sense of vulnerability that keeps Singapore alert. As a small country in Southeast Asia seeking to survive and prosper, Singapore cannot be ordinary. It must be extraordinary. Otherwise, why would anyone want to deal with Singapore rather than with larger countries? Herein lies the central challenge for Singapore in every area, including foreign policy.
Singapore is Not An Island: Views on Singapore Foreign Policy is a compilation of essays and public speeches by Bilahari Kausikan over the last 25 years. His is a frank and ispassionate assessment of the geopolitical realities to date, and the uncertainties that have emerged. It is for anyone interested to know about protecting Singapore’s interests, nicely or otherwise, in a rapidly changing and complex world.
The book, to be launched on 21 June 2017 by Professor S Jayakumar, will be supported by an aggressive print advertisement campaign in The Straits Times, Business Times and The New Paper from 22 to 30 June 2017.
“Bilahari is one of the finest minds in Singapore’s public service. His unvarnished analysis of foreign policy trends is refreshing as are his thoughts on what they portend for Singapore. This collection should interest anyone who seeks an insight to Singapore’s foreign policy.”
—Prof S Jayakumar, Former Senior Minister (2009-2011), Deputy Prime Minister (2004–2009) and Minister for Foreign Affairs (1994–2004), Singapore
About the Author | Bilahari P S Kausikan is a veteran Singapore diplomat who retired in 2013, after serving in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) for 32 years. He was Second Permanent Secretary and subsequently Permanent Secretary of MFA from 2001 to 2013. He is now Ambassador-at-Large. Bilahari is known nationally and internationally for his strategic analyses, and has a following in international foreign policy circles. He has also established a reputation in social media circles, especially among young Singaporeans.
About the Editor | Tan Lian Choo joined The Straits Times in 1973 and later reported extensively on Southeast Asia. Winner of the Asia Press Foundation Mitsubishi Asian Journalist of the Year 1984, she was conferred the 1990 Asean Award for Communication for her outstanding achievements and contributions to journalism. In 1995, she joined MFA, serving as the ministry’s first Director of Public Affairs, Spokesperson for the Ministry and Press Secretary to the Foreign Minister. Her latter overseas diplomatic assignments included being Singapore’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO in Paris (2007–2009) and Head of Mission, Singapore Embassy in Brasilia, Brazil (2012–2015). She retired from the Singapore Foreign Service in 2015.
Small states are always vulnerable. It is this sense of vulnerability that keeps Singapore alert. As a small country in Southeast Asia seeking to survive and prosper, Singapore cannot be ordinary. It must be extraordinary. Otherwise, why would anyone want to deal with Singapore rather than with larger countries? Herein lies the central challenge for Singapore in every area, including foreign policy.
Singapore is Not An Island: Views on Singapore Foreign Policy is a compilation of essays and public speeches by Bilahari Kausikan over the last 25 years. His is a frank and ispassionate assessment of the geopolitical realities to date, and the uncertainties that have emerged. It is for anyone interested to know about protecting Singapore’s interests, nicely or otherwise, in a rapidly changing and complex world.
The book, to be launched on 21 June 2017 by Professor S Jayakumar, will be supported by an aggressive print advertisement campaign in The Straits Times, Business Times and The New Paper from 22 to 30 June 2017.
“Bilahari is one of the finest minds in Singapore’s public service. His unvarnished analysis of foreign policy trends is refreshing as are his thoughts on what they portend for Singapore. This collection should interest anyone who seeks an insight to Singapore’s foreign policy.”
—Prof S Jayakumar, Former Senior Minister (2009-2011), Deputy Prime Minister (2004–2009) and Minister for Foreign Affairs (1994–2004), Singapore
About the Author | Bilahari P S Kausikan is a veteran Singapore diplomat who retired in 2013, after serving in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) for 32 years. He was Second Permanent Secretary and subsequently Permanent Secretary of MFA from 2001 to 2013. He is now Ambassador-at-Large. Bilahari is known nationally and internationally for his strategic analyses, and has a following in international foreign policy circles. He has also established a reputation in social media circles, especially among young Singaporeans.
About the Editor | Tan Lian Choo joined The Straits Times in 1973 and later reported extensively on Southeast Asia. Winner of the Asia Press Foundation Mitsubishi Asian Journalist of the Year 1984, she was conferred the 1990 Asean Award for Communication for her outstanding achievements and contributions to journalism. In 1995, she joined MFA, serving as the ministry’s first Director of Public Affairs, Spokesperson for the Ministry and Press Secretary to the Foreign Minister. Her latter overseas diplomatic assignments included being Singapore’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO in Paris (2007–2009) and Head of Mission, Singapore Embassy in Brasilia, Brazil (2012–2015). She retired from the Singapore Foreign Service in 2015.
316 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 9, 2022
An enlightening take on Singapore's place in the world and region, though the sloppy editing / format (it is mainly a collection of speeches) means that repetition is the order of the day. At least one can say he is fairly consistent in his themes. Phrases like Western diplomats and their proclivity to 'whip the heathen along the path of righteousness' recur, to my amusement. Feel free to skim parts that look familiar.
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The intensity of a belief in an idea or the reach of its acceptance is no guarantee of its validity. Truth, if it exists, is always situational and conditional and thus at best only partially, temporarily and contingently 'true'. This is being obscured by the ever more ubiquitous social media. (echo chambers)
The bedrock of relevance is success. The most brilliant idea of a small country can be safely disregarded if inconvenient, while the most stupid idea of a big country must be taken seriously. In fact, the stupider the more seriously, due to the harm that can result.
Although we may fondly believe otherwise, every country's policy in every domain is always a series of messy improvisations in response to unpredictable events.
The paradox of all international institutions (UN, ASEAN), is that they work best when they don't work too well. The major powers then find them useful as tools to advance their interests, while being assured that they cannot frustrate their most vital designs.
Every claimant (in the South China Sea) will sincerely believe that it is only acting defensively in response to the provocations of other claimants.
ASEAN is not a happy band of brothers; if we were there would be no need for ASEAN because its fundamental and enduring purpose is to ensure a modicum of order and civility in a region where neither can be taken for granted.
ASEAN's basic consensus is a consensus on always having some sort of consensus even if it is only a consensus on words or on not discussing issues that may break consensus.
The writer's point is not that the UN is dysfunctional (true but trite). It is a human institution and thus necessarily flawed.
Singapore can speak its mind relatively free of extraneous constraints in the UN forum, and that is part of the reason why it is respsected in the UN.
The UN General Assembly is meant to give most members only the sensation of involvement in issues the permanent 5 intend to settle themselves.
____
The intensity of a belief in an idea or the reach of its acceptance is no guarantee of its validity. Truth, if it exists, is always situational and conditional and thus at best only partially, temporarily and contingently 'true'. This is being obscured by the ever more ubiquitous social media. (echo chambers)
The bedrock of relevance is success. The most brilliant idea of a small country can be safely disregarded if inconvenient, while the most stupid idea of a big country must be taken seriously. In fact, the stupider the more seriously, due to the harm that can result.
Although we may fondly believe otherwise, every country's policy in every domain is always a series of messy improvisations in response to unpredictable events.
The paradox of all international institutions (UN, ASEAN), is that they work best when they don't work too well. The major powers then find them useful as tools to advance their interests, while being assured that they cannot frustrate their most vital designs.
Every claimant (in the South China Sea) will sincerely believe that it is only acting defensively in response to the provocations of other claimants.
ASEAN is not a happy band of brothers; if we were there would be no need for ASEAN because its fundamental and enduring purpose is to ensure a modicum of order and civility in a region where neither can be taken for granted.
ASEAN's basic consensus is a consensus on always having some sort of consensus even if it is only a consensus on words or on not discussing issues that may break consensus.
The writer's point is not that the UN is dysfunctional (true but trite). It is a human institution and thus necessarily flawed.
Singapore can speak its mind relatively free of extraneous constraints in the UN forum, and that is part of the reason why it is respsected in the UN.
The UN General Assembly is meant to give most members only the sensation of involvement in issues the permanent 5 intend to settle themselves.
November 30, 2021
A clinical and compelling take on foreign policy delivered with Bilahari’s classic ironic humour and wealth of experience. Particularly novel to me was his idea that denuclearisation in the Korean Peninsula would be undesirable for most countries because of the massive instability it would bring. The book also captures the essence of our foreign policy imperatives, the key tenets of which Singaporeans should be familiar with, particularly as foreign policy matters inevitably seep into domestic policy and politics.
Would have given 4 stars if not for two key factors - first, the arguments, while interesting, were cursory at times and wanting in development. Second, the editing was rather sloppy - there was little coherence in each section and his ideas are all over, and often repeated numerous times, even verbatim. This makes the read a bit annoying. I think the format of the book accounts, for the most part, for these two faults, it being a collection of speeches and writings. Dry throats can’t make long speeches (unless you’re like, Kevin McCarthy) and maintaining the integrity of each speech makes it difficult to piece all of them together in a structured manner.
Would have given 4 stars if not for two key factors - first, the arguments, while interesting, were cursory at times and wanting in development. Second, the editing was rather sloppy - there was little coherence in each section and his ideas are all over, and often repeated numerous times, even verbatim. This makes the read a bit annoying. I think the format of the book accounts, for the most part, for these two faults, it being a collection of speeches and writings. Dry throats can’t make long speeches (unless you’re like, Kevin McCarthy) and maintaining the integrity of each speech makes it difficult to piece all of them together in a structured manner.
August 12, 2017
Great writing style that makes it an enjoyable read. Because the book is a collection of articles and opinion pieces, there are frequent repetition of ideas. However, this does not make it a bore. If anything, it helps drive Bilahari's point on certain issues. For example: US presence in East Asia, their position as a global power, the protean idea of democracy, etc.
Will recommend anyone with an interest in Foreign Policy, Singapore or Global Affairs. Not the best first book to the subject.
Will recommend anyone with an interest in Foreign Policy, Singapore or Global Affairs. Not the best first book to the subject.
July 15, 2017
An education in foreign policy - cold blooded in analysis. Many core ideas are repeated in the compilation of essays. But as child educators put it, repetition is good for children, in this case children learning statecraft.
December 28, 2025
he is very Singaporean with a capital S. always espousing pragmatism, ‘harsh realities’, and the impossibility of guiding principles in foreign affairs, claiming everyone ‘continually improvises’. it’s not a bad book by any means, I enjoyed his writing and understanding his viewpoints. It just gets repetitive cos it’s a collection of his speeches and essays I think
July 20, 2017
An illuminating excursus of Singapore's approach to foreign policy. Bilahari's attempt to dispel the myth of universality, in particular, is forceful but not yet persuasive. He is encumbered by his conflation of "universality" with "absolutism" (see, in particular, the vicinity of page 245).
Universally-held values may or may not be absolute. For instance, very few people hold the view that there should be absolute, unfettered freedom of speech. This is true even in the United States. However, it will, equally, not be surprising to say that this restricted (i.e. non-absolute) freedom of speech is thought to be a value which is either is or should be universally accepted. Whether this acceptance is a reality or remains an aspiration is the subject of an entirely different debate.
Disappointingly, the force of Bilahari's arguments are undercut and plagued by the occasional factual error. For instance, at p. 135, he mistakenly claims that Singapore's balance of payments is valued at 300 times of her GDP. (The correct figure should be in the vicinity of 350%!)
In other areas, his criticism of the European status quo is delivered with an unjustified tone of temerity. One example can be found on p. 280, where he claims that the EU's vision of Europe is riddled with "internal contradictions" evinced by a "substantial number of Europeans". He cites, in support of his argument, the rise of the extreme right-wing and anti-EU movements. With respect to Bilahari, he is overzealous in his criticism of the EU. He does not extend the EU the same latitude that he offers ASEAN and other Asian nations. Indeed, he ignores the fact that whilst some European states are major exporters of irony, such extremist views have never found much traction in Europe (see, for instance, the failed bids of Marie Le Pen and Geert Wilders).
To conclude, Bilahari's views should not be ignored. There is much truth in his analyses of ASEAN and the geopolitical environment of Southeast Asia. However, his views should be rigourously scrutinised.
Universally-held values may or may not be absolute. For instance, very few people hold the view that there should be absolute, unfettered freedom of speech. This is true even in the United States. However, it will, equally, not be surprising to say that this restricted (i.e. non-absolute) freedom of speech is thought to be a value which is either is or should be universally accepted. Whether this acceptance is a reality or remains an aspiration is the subject of an entirely different debate.
Disappointingly, the force of Bilahari's arguments are undercut and plagued by the occasional factual error. For instance, at p. 135, he mistakenly claims that Singapore's balance of payments is valued at 300 times of her GDP. (The correct figure should be in the vicinity of 350%!)
In other areas, his criticism of the European status quo is delivered with an unjustified tone of temerity. One example can be found on p. 280, where he claims that the EU's vision of Europe is riddled with "internal contradictions" evinced by a "substantial number of Europeans". He cites, in support of his argument, the rise of the extreme right-wing and anti-EU movements. With respect to Bilahari, he is overzealous in his criticism of the EU. He does not extend the EU the same latitude that he offers ASEAN and other Asian nations. Indeed, he ignores the fact that whilst some European states are major exporters of irony, such extremist views have never found much traction in Europe (see, for instance, the failed bids of Marie Le Pen and Geert Wilders).
To conclude, Bilahari's views should not be ignored. There is much truth in his analyses of ASEAN and the geopolitical environment of Southeast Asia. However, his views should be rigourously scrutinised.
August 25, 2020
Trippingly written, I laughed out loud at some of Bilahari's turns of phrase. Gave me a new perspective on the Korean Peninsula problem - does anyone really want reunification? My main bugbear is the structure. This really isn’t designed to be read in one sitting. As others have pointed out, many ideas and turns of phrase are repeated across several speeches. The division of chapters is perfunctory and not followed through properly (e.g. speeches on Korea and East Asia parked under "The Incongruity of Singapore in Southeast Asia"). Part 3 in particular was quite discombobulating, containing almost no new material. To be clear, I don't think that’s the author’s fault, because someone else put this book together from his speeches. But it's a waste for this collection of zingers to be so badly let down by a poor editorial effort.
July 31, 2020
This book was difficult to get through. I was committed as I wanted to understand more of the author’s ideas, but I was frustrated at how poorly it was edited and compiled. It’s truly just a reprint of speeches (very loosely categorized, sometimes nonsensically). It would have benefited immensely from some light editing and compilation (introduction to sections, speeches, footnotes for key acts or acronyms for those of us not intimately familiar with the inner workings of foreign policy...). Otherwise, the thoughts and ideas are mostly interesting and I enjoyed hearing the authors perspective on Singapore’s place in a complex world. Bonus points for thought provoking analysis on Asian powers - China, Japan, Korea.
May 13, 2019
I'm a Northeast Asia specialist, and this book was my intro to Southeast Asian and especially Singaporean foreign policy and international relations. I enjoyed it a lot, speaking as someone that was learning a completely new perspective. I would have liked to see more on the konfrontasi with Indonesia and the separation from Malaysia, personally speaking.
One thing to be aware of is that it a collection of speeches and lectures. Like many speakers, Mr Kausikan has a number of themes and tropes that he used over and over again in talks, which unfortunately creates a repetitive feel when converted into book form. Expect to hear a handful of arguments over and over again, and in the middle of the book wonder if you've 'already read this chapter' a few times.
Still highly enjoyable though - would recommend to PoliSci and IR majors looking for a primer in how things 'really work' in the diplomatic world.
One thing to be aware of is that it a collection of speeches and lectures. Like many speakers, Mr Kausikan has a number of themes and tropes that he used over and over again in talks, which unfortunately creates a repetitive feel when converted into book form. Expect to hear a handful of arguments over and over again, and in the middle of the book wonder if you've 'already read this chapter' a few times.
Still highly enjoyable though - would recommend to PoliSci and IR majors looking for a primer in how things 'really work' in the diplomatic world.
January 30, 2025
Apart from the repetition of many ideas, because the book is really a collection of speeches, it was a very engaging dive into Singapore's foreign policy posture, told from a refreshing perspective of one of Singapore's ex MFA Permanent Secretaries. It was enjoyable reading of stories I have heard before, but from a civil servant's POV than from an elected Ministers'. The theme that one has to look after one's own interests, because no one will look after it for us, shone through. That Singapore's existence is not a natural one, and that we need to be aware of the many existential challenges for Singapore, not only in our region, but also in the world. Singapore has been blessed by a great team of people who work at keeping and making Singapore safe, maintaining its stature in a dangerous world.
March 1, 2020
I've always enjoyed Mr Bilahari's presentations and pieces, and this book will not disappoint if you read it like you would a box of chocolates, ie, take small bits at a time. His views on Singapore's place in the world, navigating ASEAN, great power relations, and deep trends changing the world we live in are clearly presented here in his classic style. However, as it is a compilation of his works across time, there are several pints which he must have felt strongly about and repeated across various forums- often leading to an odd sense of deja vu if you read too many chapters at once. Nonetheless, an insightful read which I enjoyed. Recommended, but don't read too much at one go.
June 20, 2023
while i understand that this was more structured as a collection of essays rather than a "book" book (non-fiction kind), i still felt a bit disappointed. i'm not complaining about the insights - they were really great coming from an ex-MFA/civil servant, and this was a perspective that was much needed to be made known in Singapore but i felt that so many of them were repeated way too many times over the book. it was too the point where i thought i was re-reading the same sentences or phrases at least 3 to 4 times.
overall, i felt that the book could have been better structured to include more different insights!!!
overall, i felt that the book could have been better structured to include more different insights!!!
July 6, 2018
This book is a compilation of Kausikan's past speeches and essays. So those who are familiar with him would already be familiar with his candid, provocative, pragmatic and realist views on issues. That said, I would still recommend those familiar with Kausikan's views to read this book as it serves as a good distillation of his views (another book to read would be the compilation of lectures he gave at LKYSPP-IPS). For those unfamiliar with Kausikan's views or interested in international affairs, I highly recommend this book.
August 12, 2025
Collection of lectures encapsulating Bilahari’s thoughts on Singapore’s foreign policy, with interesting segments on the question of Korean reunification, potential for Japan/Korea nuclearisation in the region without US presence, Asia as a geopolitical post-Cold War era term by “Western” states; with more recent thoughts on events like implications of Brexit and annexation of Crimea on Singapore. Some segments could be a bit repetitive, perhaps due to emphasising certain points like the myth of universality, vulnerability of small states, and role of ASEAN in the region. Overall, gave much food for thought — great read!
July 13, 2021
“Singapore is not an island” is such an amazing book telling about the author’s perspective of different political issues and relations among different countries with Singapore. This is a book that helps readers to acquire more understanding regarding politics, relations and functions of different world organizations.
June 28, 2021
This book captures many of Bilahari's thoughts over the years, and there's plenty which can be gained from his experience as a diplomat. True to Bilahari's style, he doesn't mince his words and tells it as it is. Would definitely recommend
November 3, 2021
Really sharp, illuminating policy insights here, but the repetition of numerous key pet phrases leaves me with the sensation of deja vu a bit too often. I think the editor could have done a bit more trimming on that front.
July 27, 2017
Incisive, ruthless, and pragmatic analysis of realpolitik, peppered with insightful and memorable anecdotes.
February 5, 2019
Broad range of incisive no-holds-barred observations from a career foreign service officer who's been in the diplomatic trenches. The author's acerbic wit shines through.
August 8, 2019
Highly insightful essays on international affairs and Singapore’s foreign policy. An astute assessment of the problems that the world and countries face and why.
April 18, 2020
Solid overview of the fudamental principles underpinning Singapore’s foreign policy in view of the larger shifts taking place in the region/world.
August 15, 2017
Bilahari strips away the hypocrisy and political-correctness typical of international relations and foreign policy to lay bare what's ultimately crucial to Singapore's interests. Interesting read, though ideas and sometimes even the exact words were repeated several times throughout the collection of essays and speeches.
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August 22, 2020choppy but jugular; he belabors his main principles so hard. could do with better editing.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews