In a 1993 study titled Ripe for Rivalry: Prospects for Peace in a Multipolar Asia, published in the journal International Security, American political scientist Aaron L. Friedberg argued that Asia appeared more likely than Europe to be the “cockpit of great-power conflict”, concluding that in the long run, “Europe’s past could be Asia’s future”. According to geopolitical expert Kishore Mahbubani, who served as Singapore’s permanent representative to the United Nations for more than a decade and as UN Security Council president between 2001 and 2002, the simple answer is that Asia benefits from a culture of pragmatism, as demonstrated by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), which emerged as a successful regional organisation at the end of the Cold War. As the world struggles with environmental challenges, geopolitical conflicts and societal setbacks, the above traits are more than desirable values; they are competitive advantages, particularly when leveraged with Malaysia’s other strengths, including: a highly educated and culturally diverse population and workforce; strong economic fundamentals; growing attractiveness for technology development and investment; a reputation as a safe meeting ground for East and West; and recognition as a global education hub.
Author: The Star Online
Published at: 2025-08-30 23:00:00
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