Why Nation Behave Differently 2

Documentary National Geographic - Rule No. 4: Size (Power) Matters.

Powerful, triumphant states write (or rewrite) history. In war and in peace, size matters. From the Roman empire to post-war, Pax Americana, power (military, ideological, political, psychological, and economic) dictated the course of history.

But although most often, big states get what they want, directly or indirectly, smaller states who know how to play the power game can sometimes make up for their smaller size. One simple way is to have strong relations and partnerships with powerful states, like the US, Russia, or China, an alliance that protects weak states from the predatory machinations of stronger ones.

Short of war, most of the time, powerful states accomplish their foreign policy goals through a combination of quiet diplomacy, persuasive leverage, and rewards and punishment (carrot and stick).

A rare example of a small state wielding respect and power far beyond its shores is Singapore. This tiny island city-state, lacking any natural resources, earned its spurs by replacing its underdeveloped status with a powerhouse, high-end economy that is the envy of many nations. In international forums, Singapore's voice is always accorded respect.

Rule No. 5: There Are No Permanent Friends, Only Permanent Interests.

Foreign policy is governed by the morality of hard-nose pragmatism. To paraphrase strategic thinker Leslie H. Gelb, idealism, reason, and values are fine "but they are only foreplay."

Today's friends may be tomorrow's enemies and vice-versa. Consider the following:

1). China and Russia, once America's nasty cold war enemies could now be considered relatively viable partners in international relations.

2). Germany, a formidable and hated American enemy during the last two World Wars, is now a reliable US ally.

3). Similarly Japan, the country that inflicted a near mortal blow against US naval forces in the Pacific theater, has been a close American ally.

Again, the end (economic and security partnerships) justifies the means (sleeping with a once hated enemy).

Statecraft recognizes that the world is neither black or white but a combination of both. A wise leader quickly learns that it's best to be as self-reliant as possible and not to expect too much from other nations.

The author is a former diplomat and journalist. He is the author of "The God in Einstein and Zen," soon to be available at Barnes and Noble, Amazon.com, Trafford.com, and E-books (kindle and nook).



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