Navigating Uncertainty: Our Region in an Age of Flux by Professor Joseph Liow
The Southeast Asian region, celebrated for its economic growth and rich cultural tapestry, currently stands at the crux of global power dynamics. In this lecture series, Professor Liow delves into the complex challenges and dynamics that shape the region. These range from the escalating rivalry between the United States and China, to the emerging centrifugal forces within the region itself. The region’s trajectory, tracing its path from Cold War turbulence to recent economic resurgence, is now facing geopolitical shifts and heightened risks of fragmentation arising from its inherent ethnic and religious diversity. By gaining a nuanced perspective on Southeast Asia’s history and domestic tensions, we can gain insight into the potential strategies the region; and vitally, Singapore can take in a rapidly changing global environment.
On the Edge of a Precipice? Paradigms and Prognosis for the US-China Rivalry
Relations between the United States (US) and China, the two largest economies in the world, have taken a sharp turn for the worse in recent years, to the point where engagement between the two powers has given way to strategic competition, talk of bifurcation, and, most distressingly, even the prospect of war. Notwithstanding an uptick in the number of high-level meetings in the past year, there are few signs that this rivalry is abating. Instead, all indicators point to the harsh reality that it is deepening and broadening, affecting practically every aspect of the bilateral relationship. Against this backdrop, this lecture will do three things. First, it will unpack conventional wisdom on how and why relations between these two powers have managed to sink to such depths, pointing out the strengths, weaknesses and synthesis of these prevailing paradigms. Second, it will consider the prospects for reconciliation. Finally, it will discuss the impact of this great power rivalry on Singapore’s interests and how we might moderate some of its effects.
Associate Professor Simon Tay, Chairman at Singapore Institute of International Affairs, will be moderating the Question-and-Answer session of this lecture.
To find out more about Professor Joseph Liow, the 13th S R Nathan Fellow, click here.
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