At this week's Regional Outlook Forum 2026, held in Singapore on Thursday, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong raised a red flag over the US military intervention in Venezuela 🌏🚩.
Lee noted, 'From the point of view of a small country, if that is the way the world works, we have a problem,' highlighting how big-power moves can create ripple effects that small states simply can't ignore.
So what's going on? The US has stepped in militarily in Venezuela, and while the details vary, the core issue is clear: when a powerful nation uses force without broad international backing, it tests the very rules that keep our global system stable.
Singapore has always championed rule-based order—think UN Charter, peace agreements, and clear global norms. Lee made it clear: 'This is contrary to international law, is contrary to the UN Charter.' Without UN backing, military intervention sets a worrying precedent for smaller nations to thrive 🌐✌️.
For a tech-savvy, globally-connected generation in South and Southeast Asia, this is more than geopolitics. It's about safeguarding cross-border digital trade, protecting supply chains, and ensuring global partnerships stay on track without the threat of force.
What's next? Watch how other small states and the UN respond. After all, in a world where every click, code line, and startup pitch can span continents, stability matters more than ever 🤔💡.
Reference(s):
Singapore says U.S. intervention in Venezuela concerns small states
cgtn.com
