Former Singapore diplomat Bilahari Kausikan stops by the YLB studio to share his candid views about the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, and to discuss how the struggle between the global superpowers will ultimately affect us in Southeast Asia. Also, he answers the big question on everyone’s minds: are we headed towards World War 3? What will a second Trump term mean for the rest of the world? While all this sounds really grim, he also tells us why he believes he’s bringing a message of hope.

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(00:00) Intro
(00:57) What Exactly Is Diplomacy?
(02:44) Bilahari's Accidental Start In Diplomacy
(09:52) Pragmatism vs. Emotion
(16:25) People's Responses to Israel-Hamas
(21:43) Why Calling US-China a Cold War Is Dangerous
(25:43) Singapore Is Not In The Middle
(31:04) Fundamental Purpose of Diplomacy
(33:20) Why the ICJ's Rafah Ruling Will Not Matter In The End
(44:37) Can SG Even Do Anything With Regards to Israel-Hamas
(51:05) Why We Have to Believe In Diplomatic Solutions
(53:39) Is World War III a Possibility?
(01:00:43) Lesser Known Challenges SG Is Facing Today
(01:10:30) One Shiok Thing

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One Shiok Thing

• Lee Kuan Yew’s 3 key decisions that made Singapore rich – Tony Blair
• Out of Darkness - Trailer
• British Library Crime Classics

Find Bilahari!

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Middle East Institute NUS

Mics and Headphones from @shure

Chairs from @ergotunechair

Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak