When the topic of geopolitics comes to play, many may turn a blind eye to it and not pay much attention. Most would regard it as non-related to their own lives but many lack the realisation that this phenomenon is happening all around us, and will come to affect us in one way or another.
Geopolitics refers to the study of the way a country’s size, position, etc. influences its power and relationships with other countries.
On 5 November 2021, Professor Wee Chow How, graced us with his presence and intellect to discuss this topic while relating to one of the forefathers of geopolitics, Sun Zi (a Chinese military strategist and general), in a webinar, Sun Zi Bingfa and Geopolitics: Engagement without Conflict.
Bringing us back to historical times where Sun Zi put out his beliefs on the way that conflicts are best dealt with, between one nation and another, the audience were taken on a trip back to the future. Learning of his adoption to softer approaches to these conflicts, Prof Wee’s attendees came to understand that this was made possible by establishing and/or disrupting alliances, using foreign relations and also other tools; all these methods, summing up the whole theme of geopolitics.
Though the teachings of Sun Zi Bingfa date back to olden times, his teachings still stand in today’s context of modern day warfare and politics and not forgetting the corporate “warfare” that leaders have to face in a rapidly disrupted world. Prof Wee made sure that his audience could see this relation. Emphasising on the main point that an outbreak of war is always a lose-lose outcome while deftly execute soft approaches can yield win-win outcomes and avoid massive destruction. A quote that Prof Wee mentioned is sure to leave an impression in his audience’s minds:
“Anger can turn into happiness, rage can turn into joy. (But) a destroyed nation cannot be reinstated”
This teaching transcended through his philosophy of the “4 Stage Strategic Attack”. The term ‘attack’ takes on a different face as softer approaches are given the highlight in the first two stages. The stages go as follows: Firstly, referred to by Prof Wee as the “most supreme strategy”, would be to attack the plans and strategy of the enemy or competitor. Secondly, would be to attack his relationship and alliances with other nations or corporates. Thirdly, would be to attack one’s army. Lastly, would be to attack one’s walled cities. Successful execution of these strategies would put the nation or corporate on the winning streak.
Though physically separated due to this pandemic, a warmth filled the air around those who attended the virtual event. Hearing the recollections from these volunteers, and even pre-recorded performances by the Adult Learning Community (Music Group), wistfulness filled the air. From swaying heads through tiny virtual boxes, paired with smiles and clapping hands and playing trivia quizzes, bonding over the memories and reminiscing through the Alumni Relations Milestones Video, it was clear – the distance did not dampen the cohesion as each attendee grew more sentimental with each activity planned.
As with any anniversary event, the mandatory “Happy Birthday” song was sung with each participant holding up the cakes that had been specially delivered to their homes, singing along to the familiar melody. As far as COVID birthdays goes, it was safe to say that everyone felt the joy celebrating this one.
It was intriguing to learn of Sun Zi’s philosophies and the fact that despite being shared many centuries ago, these still stand in today’s world of politics and business. All participants left this webinar, suitably impressed and in awe of the correlation that these teachings have with today’s world.
There is truly no moving forward in the modern world without first learning and understanding our past.