(Still) Supporting the Indispensable Power: Singapore's Relations with the United States from Trump to Biden

(Still) Supporting the Indispensable Power:Singapore's Relations with United States from Trump to Biden See Seng Tan (bio) Singapore regards as an indispensable power whose global might, purpose, and reach Singaporeans have long viewed invaluable stability, security, prosperity of Asia. The has evolved unlikely collaborator patron following 1971 British withdrawal east Suez Canal being city-state's partner today. As other U.S. allies partners, Singapore's relations were tested during presidency Donald Trump, who effectively recused his nation traditional role leadership it had played since end World War II. Yet chose stay course its pragmatic encouragement facilitation forward presence in transition administration, which presumably aims walk back Trump's "America first" policy without easing up on China, not changed perspective toward States. It remains interest continue welcoming, facilitating, and—in face growing Chinese objection strategic dominance region—justifying States' place That said, view indispensability does mean will take Washington's side every international issue dispute, especially where interests general well-being Asian region are thought be at risk. is a consummate hedger that sought "to friend all, but enemy none."1 Its contemporary support risked souring [End Page 77] top trading 2021.2 Thus understood, qualified belief presupposes accepts only long-standing world leader equally obligation force for Asia's peace, prosperity, security—a responsibility that, view, better shared than hogged time when Beijing's ambitions risen concomitantly China's military influence. How partners can work China while balancing influence causing regional discord key challenge. basis do what help restore post-Trump credibility Asia seeking ensure U.S.-China tensions irreparably damage region. This essay contends encouraging Washington Beijing accommodate one another seek ways cooperate amid their competitive relationship. Beginning short reflection propensity hedge against great powers, then explores ties administration. Incorrigible Hedger Historically, Southeast states relied hedging shifting limited alignments, no exception.3 Hedging inclination adopt via media between aligning powers them. minimize risks deny larger ability dominate having balance directly them.4 Neither passive neutralists nor fence-sitters, hedgers engage multiple becoming reliant any single power. Short rivalry intensifying Thucydidean proportions, unreasonable assume persist create 78] space flexibility itself there undue pressure sides.5 been described pursued "balanced" foreign assiduously avoids impression others—a difficult act made more necessary city-state caught middle competition.6 Like proverbial bird wire, perceived vulnerability small state a...