Analysis On The Applicable Conditions And Limitation Of "Small National Diplomacy"

International politics has always been the competitive arena for big countries, while＂small countries＂ accounting for the majority of international actors mostly reside in theedge of the stage. But, Singapore seems to be a big exception. Rising from a barren piece ofland to a developed country ranking second on Index of global economic competitiveness forthree consecutive years within decades, is indeed a miracle. The core reason lies in itssuccessful practice in＂small country, great Diplomacy＂ strategy, in addition to its ownclean and efficient domestic politics.＂ Small country, great Diplomacy＂ is defined assmall countries, based on the principles of pragmatism, taking power-balancing policybehaviors in a proactive and flexible manner. Singapore has long been regarded as a synonymof＂small country, great Diplomacy＂ strategy. Despite various and intertwined SoutheastAsia political forces and big names eyeing closely around, Singapore can always win with aflaring face using Shuttle diplomacy tactics. However, the research founds that its foreignpolicy does not always rise to each occasion, especially on the Taiwan Strait issue. For which,there was a clear policy adjustment process. By sorting through factors contributed to thispolicy shift, the author finds that changes in domestic resource endowment, regionaldevelopment, and the international situation are the main reasons that affect or limit theperformance of＂small country Diplomacy＂ strategy.On this basis, the author intends togive revelations, for small countries, on how to make better use of power-balancing strategy,and for big countries,on how to cope with it. However, for Singapore, change is a constantand a relative,＂unchanging＂ is a must and an absolute. On the Taiwan Strait issue,Singapore sacrificed the traditional＂small country, great Diplomacy＂ approach for itsbelief in diplomatic pragmatism instead. All in all, the moment a policy fails, makingadjustments based on environmental changes in a timely manner is finally the way for＂small countries＂ to survive in the international arena.