How Singapore’s Diplomacy Transformed a Tiny Nation Into a Global Force
A new book traces Singapore’s rise from a fledgling nation to a respected global entry over six decades. Not So Little Red Dot: 60 Years of Singapore’s Diplomacy reveals how a small team in cramped City Hall offices built a global presence through persistence and principle.
In 1965, Singapore’s diplomacy began with almost nothing. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) operated from a few rooms at City Hall, short on resources but driven by urgency. Within weeks of independence, the country’s first Foreign Minister, S Rajaratnam, embarked on a two-month whirlwind tour. He visited 12 nations to secure recognition for the newly formed state.
The book documents a journey marked by pragmatism and quiet resolve. Singapore’s diplomats turned limited resources into lasting influence, proving that persistence matters more than scale. Their story continues as the country navigates an ever-changing global landscape.
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