New reality of global order
Published 30 July 2024
US-China strategic competition is now a fundamental reality of international order, but it is important to recognize that competition between great powers and potential for conflict are inherent characteristics of international relations, says Singapore's former Ambassador-at-Large Bilahari Kausikan.
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The geopolitical order has been upended by conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza and the strategic competition between the US and China. But it is important to recognize that competition between great powers and potential for conflict are inherent characteristics of international relations. International order is not necessarily uncontested, and in that regard, the ongoing US-China competition is not unusual, but rather the norm. The rivalry could continue indefinitely, sometimes escalating, but is unlikely to lead to deliberate conflict. The risk lies in accidental or miscalculated conflict, making conflict management the ‘only solution’, as seen in the cases of Taiwan and Gaza, says Bilahari Kausikan.
About the NPF International Trade Fellowship 2024
The National Press Foundation holds an annual International Trade Fellowship workshop for journalists, sponsored by the Hinrich Foundation. This year, the Foundations welcomed 25 Asia-based journalists at the Hinrich Foundation’s office in Singapore. The sessions, held in June, focused on the impact of US presidential elections on trade, digitization of trade, Asia’s evolving role in global trade, and more.
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