Quora Answer: If a Relatively Small Island Like the UK Could become a World Power, Why Can Singapore Not Become a Regional Power?

The following is my answer to a Quora question: “If a relatively small island like the UK could become a world superpower, why can Singapore not become a regional power in Southeast Asia?” 

This can be argued in several ways depending.  My contention is that Singapore is already a regional power in Southeast Asia.  It is the single wealthiest nation in the region, with an economic clout that dwarfs any other nation in Southeast Asia.  All the wealth of the region, from trade to banking passes through Singapore.  That means Singapore subtly influences the economic policy of the region since the wealthiest citizens of Southeast Asian nations keep much of their wealth there. 

Geographically, Singapore is the centre of Southeast Asia, astride sea routes through both the Malacca and the Sunda Straits.  It is the busiest port by a mile.  It is also the air cargo hub, as well as the transportation hub for passenger traffic.  It controls the lifeline of the region.  As a founding member of ASEAN as well as several regional, extra-regional, and international groupings and initiatives, from trade to military, Singapore exercises outsized influence on the foreign policy of regional nations.  Almost all of it is soft power diplomacy.  Things are done quietly behind the scenes.  Additionally, it is aligned with both the United States and China in international relations, a feat that few nations have achieved.  This allows it to define the regional agenda in terms of security and diplomacy. 

From a strictly military perspective, Singapore is the most militarised nation in Southeast Asia, with almost 10% of its population either actively serving or in reserve.  It has been estimated to have a military of 350,000 personnel by some analysts out of a population of 5 million.  It is credibly documented that Singapore is able to mobilise a substantial military force within 24 hours, at least 2 brigades.  And has a mobility ratio of close to 3 men per vehicle. Singapore also has to most advanced military, in terms of technology and doctrine.  Its military budget, in real terms, dwarfs that of its neighbours. 

Singapore has the largest number of fourth generation fighter aircraft.  It fields a disproportionately large mechanised infantry and armour force.  It also has to best artillery.  Its naval forces field the most advanced ships, included stealth vessels.  It has access to the latest weaponry the United States has to offer, being a valued customer, and it is NATO compatible.  Additionally, there is substantial foreign military force based in Singapore for various reasons, including American, British, Australian, and Israeli. 

There are only two factors that preclude Singapore from being considered a regional power in a conventional sense.  Singapore does not cover a large geographic extent, and it has a tiny population compared to its giant neighbours, Indonesia, Vietnam and Philippines.  In all other counts, there is no doubt Singapore is the regional power.  And this is evident when we consider how often world leaders visit Singapore as opposed to any other nation in Southeast Asia.