Diplomacy is a Matter of Timing | Ashok Kumar Mirpuri | TEDxSingapore

Geopolitical Landscape & Diplomacy - The world is shifting towards a multipolar order, requiring a clear understanding of national interests and a long-term perspective in diplomacy [1][8][9] - Singapore's diplomacy is not neutral but driven by its interests, such as defending international law, exemplified by its stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine [11][13] - Small countries need to be nimble and offer unique ideas to gain influence in international relations [15][16][17][18] Singapore's Diplomatic Approach - Singapore leverages the ASEAN platform to engage with larger countries, offering insights into multilateral cooperation [20][21][22] - Understanding the historical context of relationships is crucial, especially with close neighbors like Indonesia and Malaysia [24][25][26] - Building trust and fostering long-term relationships are essential for effective diplomacy [36][37][38] Regional Relations (ASEAN) - Relationships with immediate neighbors like Indonesia and Malaysia can be more complex due to deeper historical ties and potential for conflict [23][29] - Time plays a significant role in improving relations, moving beyond zero-sum thinking towards mutually beneficial outcomes [33][34][35] - Despite potential issues, the Singapore-Malaysia border crossing is one of the busiest in the world, highlighting the close relationship [27][28]