On Thursday, January 8, at the Regional Outlook Forum 2026 in Singapore, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong raised concerns about the United States military intervention in Venezuela, highlighting potential risks for small states.
'The longer-term consequences on the international system, I think that is something which we have to worry about. From the point of view of a small country, if that is the way the world works, we have a problem,' Lee said.
He also argued that military intervention contradicts international law and the UN Charter, stressing Singapore's stance against such actions.
This perspective reflects a broader unease among small nations about the shifting norms of global power and sovereignty. For countries with limited geopolitical clout, precedents set by major powers can have outsized impacts — from diplomatic leverage to regional stability.
Why it matters 🌍:
- International law: Upholds UN Charter principles
- Small-state security: Depends on stable norms
- Global precedent: Actions by big powers shape future responses
As global tensions simmer, small states like Singapore are speaking up to remind the world that a rules-based order matters to everyone — no matter their size.
Reference(s):
Singapore says U.S. intervention in Venezuela concerns small states
cgtn.com
