Post-American Order: Global Shifts Ahead in Politics: Lawrence Wong

Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has issued a warning that resonates far beyond the city-state’s borders. In recent interviews with the Financial Times and Business Times, Wong spoke of turbulence ahead in what he described as a “post-American” order. His words are not simply a reflection of Singapore’s anxieties but a broader signal of the shifting tectonic plates in global geopolitics. For decades, the United States has been the anchor of the international system, underwriting global trade, providing security guarantees, and shaping the rules of engagement for nations large and small. But as Wong pointed out, no single country can fill the vacuum left by a retreating America. Instead, the world is moving toward a multipolar order, one that promises both opportunity and instability.

The notion of a “post-American” order does not mean the United States is disappearing from the global stage. Rather, it suggests that America is no longer the sole stabilizer, the indispensable power that can guarantee predictability in trade, finance, and security. The rise of China, the assertiveness of middle powers, and the fragmentation of global institutions all point to a messy transition. Wong’s warning is rooted in realism: Singapore, a small but globally connected hub, has thrived by balancing between great powers. Its prosperity depends on open markets, predictable rules, and a stable environment for trade and investment. In a world where alliances are fluid and influence is distributed, the risks for small states multiply.

The turbulence Wong describes is already visible. The International Monetary Fund has downgraded global growth forecasts, citing geopolitical fragmentation and supply chain disruptions. The World Bank has warned of rising risks to trade flows from regional conflicts and protectionist policies. The US-China rivalry, which increasingly defines the global landscape, is not limited to military competition. It extends to technology, finance, and influence over global norms. For countries like Singapore, caught in the middle of this rivalry, the challenge is to hedge bets, diversify trade, and build resilience. Wong’s call to “build new trade connections and keep up the momentum of trade liberalisation” is both a pragmatic strategy and a plea for cooperation in an era of fragmentation.

What makes Wong’s remarks particularly significant is their timing. Singapore has just undergone a leadership transition, with Wong succeeding Lee Hsien Loong as Prime Minister. His words therefore carry the weight of a new leader setting the tone for his tenure. By warning of turbulence, Wong is signaling that Singapore will not shy away from confronting uncomfortable realities. He is also positioning the country as a voice of pragmatism in a world increasingly defined by polarization. Singapore has long played the role of a bridge between East and West, hosting global businesses, mediating between competing powers, and advocating for open trade. Wong’s comments suggest that this role will continue, but under more difficult circumstances.

The idea of a multipolar world is not new. Analysts have spoken for years about the decline of American unipolarity and the rise of China. But what Wong captures is the sense of uncertainty that comes with transition. Multipolarity does not automatically mean stability. It can mean competing spheres of influence, fragmented institutions, and unpredictable alliances. For businesses, this translates into volatile markets, shifting supply chains, and regulatory uncertainty. For governments, it means recalibrating foreign policy, balancing relationships, and preparing for shocks. For ordinary citizens, it means living in a world where global turbulence can quickly translate into local consequences, from inflation to job insecurity.

Singapore’s warning should therefore be read not just as a national concern but as a global one. The country has always been a bellwether for broader trends. Its economy is deeply integrated into global trade, its financial sector is exposed to international flows, and its security depends on a stable regional environment. When Singapore’s leaders speak of turbulence, they are reflecting the vulnerabilities of small states but also articulating the anxieties of a global system in flux. Wong’s remarks are a reminder that the post-American order is not a distant prospect but a present reality.

The question, then, is how the world should respond. Wong’s emphasis on building new trade connections is a practical starting point. In an era of fragmentation, diversification is essential. Countries must avoid overdependence on any single market or power. Regional trade agreements, cross-border partnerships, and multilateral initiatives can provide buffers against turbulence. At the same time, nations must invest in resilience, whether through supply chain security, technological innovation, or financial safeguards. For Singapore, this means continuing to position itself as a hub for global business, while also preparing for shocks that may disrupt its traditional advantages.

There is also a broader lesson in Wong’s remarks. The post-American order requires a shift in mindset. For decades, the world has relied on the United States to provide stability. That reliance is no longer sufficient. Nations must take greater responsibility for their own security, prosperity, and resilience. This does not mean abandoning cooperation with America, but it does mean recognizing that the future will be shaped by multiple powers, each with its own interests and strategies. The challenge is to navigate this complexity without succumbing to fragmentation. Wong’s warning is therefore both a caution and a call to action.

From an editorial perspective, it is worth noting that Singapore’s voice carries credibility precisely because of its position. As a small state, it has no illusions of dominating the global stage. Its warnings are not driven by ambition but by necessity. This makes them particularly valuable. When a country like Singapore speaks of turbulence, it is reflecting the lived reality of nations that depend on stability but cannot control it. In this sense, Wong’s remarks are a reminder that the post-American order is not just about great power competition. It is about the vulnerabilities of smaller states, the risks to global trade, and the need for cooperation in an era of uncertainty.

The turbulence ahead will not be easy to navigate. But it is not without hope. Multipolarity can also mean greater diversity, more voices at the table, and new opportunities for cooperation. The challenge is to harness these opportunities while managing the risks. Singapore’s warning is therefore not a message of despair but of realism. It is a call to prepare for a world that is more complex, more fragmented, and more unpredictable. For policymakers, businesses, and citizens alike, the lesson is clear: resilience, diversification, and cooperation are the keys to navigating the post-American order.

In the end, Wong’s remarks should be seen as part of a broader conversation about the future of global governance. The post-American order is not a single event but a process, one that will unfold over years and decades. It will be shaped by the rise of China, the strategies of middle powers, the resilience of institutions, and the choices of citizens. Singapore’s warning is a reminder that this process will be messy, turbulent, and uncertain. But it is also a reminder that nations have agency. By preparing, cooperating, and adapting, they can navigate the turbulence and shape a future that is not defined by fragmentation but by resilience.