In a 1993 study titled Ripe for Rivalry: Prospects for Peace in a Multipolar Asia, published in the journal International Security, American political scientist Aaron L. Friedberg argued that Asia appeared more likely than Europe to be the “cockpit of great-power conflict”, concluding that in the long run, “Europe’s past could be Asia’s future”.
Three decades later, reality has proven otherwise. Since the 1990s, Europe has experienced several conflicts in Bosnia, Croatia, Kosovo, Albania, Macedonia, Georgia and Ukraine.
In the same period, there was no major conflict in Asia, despite lacking the inter-connectedness enjoyed by their European counterparts.
What explains this relative peace? According to geopolitical expert Kishore Mahbubani, who served as Singapore’s permanent representative to the United Nations for more than a decade and as UN Security Council president between 2001 and 2002, the simple answer is that Asia benefits from a culture of pragmatism, as demonstrated by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), which emerged as a successful regional organisation at the end of the Cold War.
Mahbubani seems to recognise the contributions of an alternative leadership style, built on Asian wisdom, to geopolitical skillsets, where societies prioritise building trust through relationships and connections.
Many predict that the 21st century will be an Asian century, basing this argument on the economic growth indicators.
This year, as Malaysia celebrates National Day while holding the Asean chairmanship, the country has an opportunity to reflect and showcase this ethos. Malaysia embodies the core qualities that define Asia’s pragmatic approach to peace: prioritising harmony, enabling collaboration, nurturing mutual trust, and fostering shared purpose.
As the world struggles with environmental challenges, geopolitical conflicts and societal setbacks, the above traits are more than desirable values; they are competitive advantages, particularly when leveraged with Malaysia’s other strengths, including: a highly educated and culturally diverse population and workforce; strong economic fundamentals; growing attractiveness for technology development and investment; a reputation as a safe meeting ground for East and West; and recognition as a global education hub.
Together, these attributes position Malaysia to act as a model nation that thrives not by force or dominance, but by building bridges in a fractured world. Few countries are as well-placed to showcase how cultural wisdom and pragmatic leadership can contribute to global stability.
To realise these opportunities, educational institutions, especially universities, will need to further embrace the role of developing not only competent professionals but also, first and foremost, purpose-driven leaders who can foster a shared sense of purpose and mutual trust that enable human collaboration.
Of course, Malaysia is not without its challenges. The middle-income trap remains stubborn, inequality is rising, and an ageing population looms large. Yet these obstacles should not obscure the remarkable achievement of preserving peace and unity while continuing the journey of development.
As the world deals with opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence and confronts turbulence and fragmentation, Malaysia stands at a crossroads. By leaning into its strengths and amplifying its Asian wisdom, it can help show the way towards a more collaborative, humane and balanced global order.
Happy 68th birthday, Malaysia!
PROF MUSHTAK AL-ATABI
Provost and chief executive officer
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia; and
Chairman
Vice Chancellors’ Council for Private Universities
