Small State Diplomacy
Summary
Singapore has stated that it will not negotiate with Iran for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as doing so would undermine the principle of international law under UNCLOS, which guarantees the right of transit passage for all ships. Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan emphasised that this right is not a privilege or toll to be negotiated, but a fundamental legal principle. While some countries have reportedly paid fees to Iran for safe transit amid the conflict, Singapore has chosen to uphold this principle instead. At the same time, the government is taking steps to manage the risks posed by the disruption, including engaging regional partners, maintaining contact with shipping operators, and strengthening energy resilience through diversification and renewable energy imports.
Application
Small state diplomacy refers to how smaller countries navigate the international system by relying on rules, institutions, and strategic partnerships rather than sheer power. This is seen in Singapore’s response to the Strait of Hormuz situation. By refusing to negotiate or pay for safe passage, Singapore is upholding UNCLOS and reinforcing the idea that global commons should not be controlled by individual states. This stance shows that if such norms are eroded, small states like Singapore would be far more exposed to pressure and coercion. This is also consistent with Singapore’s foreign policy. It has long championed international law and multilateralism. Singapore aligns herself with systems that promote fairness and predictability, because these are essential for its survival in a world dominated by larger powers.