The international relations specialist

Understanding human behaviour and motivation is critical to addressing complex social, ethical and political issues between countries in the ever-evolving geopolitical and technological landscapes of the world.

Prof Joseph Liow is a leading expert in international affairs who fosters better relations between countries.

The international relations specialist wears two hats. As the Tan Kah Kee Chair in Comparative and International Politics, he is passionate about the intricacies of interactions between nations that shape geopolitical scenes. As the Dean of NTU’s College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, Prof Liow is a firm believer in the importance of the arts, social sciences and humanities in addressing the challenges of rapidly-changing societies.

Prof Liow is also a member of the Social Science Research Council in Singapore, where he helps to promote and support social science and humanities research that is relevant to Singapore and Asia.

In this interview, Prof Liow shares his views on why understanding the human condition is important in mitigating some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity today.

Q: How did you become interested in international relations and why is this subject becoming more relevant in today’s context?

I first became interested in international relations when I was in high school. I was intrigued by how conflicts between countries are triggered and the importance of diplomacy in mitigating these tensions. Thereafter, I pursued my interest in international relations during my undergraduate and PhD studies.

For countries like Singapore that rely heavily on international trade, it is important to have good relations with countries around the world. Recent global events and escalating tensions have made international relations even more relevant. My research aims to shed light on how countries in Southeast Asia can maintain a degree of autonomy on the prevailing geopolitical and geoeconomic landscapes of the region to foster stability and facilitate growth.

I am also interested in how international affairs are shaped by nationalism – the sense of identity and belonging to a nation-state. Being aware of the circumstances that influence international relations is crucial for good governance and economic development.

Q: Could you tell us more about your role as Singapore’s representative on the advisory board of the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation?

Political conflicts arise for several reasons, such as when certain communities are marginalised. The ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation was established under the auspices of the ASEAN Charter to provide a platform for ASEAN member states to foster stability in the region.

As a representative on the advisory board, I share my views and insights on the opportunities and challenges in resolving conflicts. In particular, there is a need to build bridges that enable different communities in a society to reach a common understanding.