Small nations have to be creative
Posted Saturday 4 December, 22:00 Bahrain time
By Emile Hokayem,Senior Fellow for Regional Security, IISS–Middle East
Small nations have to be creative in how they pursue
security, and have to do it in ways that protect and advance their economic
development. Their options range from strengthening their defences to fostering
regional alliances to building international alliances. This was the trust of a
panel bringing together Teo Chee Hean, the Deputy Prime Minister and minister of
defence of Singapore, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, UAE foreign minister, and Liam
Fox, UK secretary of state for defence.
Teo described the inception and
evolution of ASEAN, the Southeast Asia regional security organization. By
enshrining the principles of national sovereignty and non-interference without
over-formalizing their security cooperation, ASEAN has allowed its members to
focus on their national development. For the distrustful states of the Persian
Gulf, this has unmistakable appeal as a model for an inclusive security
framework in the Middle East.
Sh Abdullah
adopted the same line. Using Qatar’s successful World Cup bid, he pleaded for a
broad definition of security that recognizes the global standing, demographic
growth and economic success of the Gulf states.
Fox reiterated his country’s commitment to the security
of its allies, noting that the UK was looking to raise its standing in the Gulf
given the friendship and shared interests. He detailed his country’s intense
security and defence involvement in the region.
