Singapore Can’t Afford to Be Naive About International Law

For small states, international law is not a luxury. It is a lifeline. Singapore lacks the vast territories, deep resources and overwhelming military might that allow great powers to bend the world to their will. Rules and norms are our shield; they anchor our prosperity, protect our shipping lanes and allow us to negotiate as equals at the global table.

But acknowledging the importance of international law does not mean being naive about its limits.

“When Law Meets Power”

History is full of sobering reminders. The U.S. invasion of Iraq without United Nations approval. Russia’s annexation of Crimea. Israel’s contested actions in Gaza today. These episodes underscore the hard truth: when the most powerful states decide to ignore international law, there is no supranational sheriff to stop them.

This is not cynicism. It is realism. And realism must guide small states like Singapore.

“Principles Without Posturing”

Singapore has always been a principled defender of international law. We respected the International Court of Justice’s 2008 ruling on Pedra Branca, as did Malaysia. But if either side had simply refused, the ICJ had no army to enforce compliance.

That is why grandstanding in the name of “upholding” international law is counterproductive. Empty gestures that antagonize larger powers, while changing nothing on the ground, risk harming Singapore without advancing our principles. Support for the rule of law must be steady, consistent and prudent — not performative.

“The Balance We Must Strike”

The challenge for Singapore is to inhabit the narrow space between idealism and realism. On the one hand, we must never abandon efforts to strengthen global norms and institutions. Without them, the world would slide back to a brutal order of “might makes right.” On the other hand, we must never imagine that moral appeals alone will safeguard us.

If others disregard the rules, our survival will rest not on rhetoric but on our own capacity to defend our interests. That means a credible defense force, investments in strategic deterrence , and  the right alliances that give weight to our diplomacy. 

Law without power is fragile. Power without law is dangerous. 

Singapore needs both.

“A Clear-Eyed Commitment”

For small states, international law is essential but insufficient. Singapore must champion it with conviction, while preparing for the reality that it can be ignored. To be naive is to court disaster. To be realistic is to ensure that when others flout the rules, Singapore is not left defenseless.

Supporting international law while accepting its failures is not a contradiction. It is the only responsible strategy for a small state navigating a turbulent world.

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