Issue 28 | July 2018

www.rsis.edu.sg/research/cms/ Issue 28 | July 2018

Trump– Kim Summit: The Razzmatazz of Public Diplomacy Page 2-3 The

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RSIS-WTO Parlia- mentarian Workshop Singapore 2018 Page 4

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RSIS Seminar Series Summit on Multilateralism Studies “Population Prospects and Profita- bility of Kuala Lumpur -Singapore High- Speed Rail” Page 5

Consultation on a Rules-Based ASEAN: Process of Forging Legal Instruments Page 5

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Upcoming Event: Panel Discussion on “European Security Strategy at a Cross- road: A stronger Eu- rope in a fragile world?” and Launch of Book on “EU Security Strategies” Page 6

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Selected Publications Page 6

Editorial Team

Aédán Mordecai Amanda Huan

Commemorative medallion for the 2018 North Korea–United States summit issued by the White House Communica- tions Agency.

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Issue 28 | July 2018 FEATURED COMMENTARY

Trump– Kim Summit: The Razzmatazz of Public Diplomacy

By Alan Chong

Trump and Kim shaking hands in the summit room during the DPRK–USA Singapore Summit , courtesy of Shealah Craighead / Wikimedia Commons/ Public Domain

The Trump-Kim Summit of During the Cold War be- Making of the ‘Heroic’ and long running stories 12 June 2018 in Singapore tween the Soviet Union Leader? accompanying the summit is not to be remembered and the United States, was that of its scene- The Trump-Kim Summit on solely for its diplomatic both utilised commercial setting. Not unlike a movie 12 June 2018 in Singapore significance. Thanks to and state-produced films set, the arrival planes – witnessed the features of a today’s image-making cul- and technology exhibitions both Kim’s Air China flight new environment for diplo- ture and the cult of social to influence opinion within and Air Force One were matic summits as process- media, the summit was each other’s populations. classic Boeing 747s – and es that are more than just equally about making both Today, it may well be so- the hotel accommodation, formal meetings for heads leaders look heroic. cial media, cable and sat- right down to the dining of state or government. ellite television that are menus, all had to be Commentary Summits today have be- offering global platforms matched to convey a come circuses: just as PUBLIC DIPLOMACY is for governments to send sense of equality. This was much as they are venues that subset of political messages to target popu- equality of grandeur. for serious intergovern- communication between lations. But increasingly, mental communication, In Kim Jong-Un’s case, his governments where they the proliferation of social they are also platforms for title was not that of Presi- attempt to communicate media means that entities image-making, merrymak- dent of the Democratic directly with members of other than governments ing, jokes and mass ca- People’s Republic of Ko- the public in the target and the traditional media tharsis concerning the rea (DPRK), yet his very state. This may be carried can gain control of the dip- gravity of global insecurity. presence had to approxi- out with or without the per- lomatic narrative. Other With about 2,500 journal- mate precisely that. Chair- mission of the host govern- than social media publicity ists from all over the world man Kim Jong-Un of the ment, depending on ideol- by onlookers, the media and those based in Singa- DPRK’s State Affairs Com- ogy, political circumstanc- themselves ran updates on pore here to cover the mission was the effective es and the dominant forms their social media plat- summit, the publicity is leader of his country. In of media available at any forms in addition to their multiplied many fold. this regard, he was Presi- point in time. print and online coverage. One of the most gripping Continued on Page 3

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Issue 28 | July 2018

by prominent media corre- formed the Trump-Kim spondents like Christiane Summit into a sentimental The Trump-Kim Summit Amanpour of CNN who in- keepsake for the ordinary • This was the first meeting between a sitting US President and terviewed Singapore Prime citizen everywhere. This the Leader of the DPRK Minister Lee Hsien Loong, was personalised drama for added to the heightened everyone who wanted to • The Capella Hotel in Sentosa was chosen despite the Shangri- La hosting previous US Presidents, George W. Bush and attention. remember what it was like that day in history. . During the summit, Singa- • The summit cost the Singapore government 12million US$, pore became the most Pyongyang was not remiss with half of the expenses going towards security. searched term on Google. in this jazzy image-making. • had cancelled the summit in a formal letter less Also heard on a Singapore The forty-minute video on than a month before only to reinstate it one week later. radio station was the epiph- state TV in DPRK on Kim’s any by the DJ that a new journey to and from Singa- dawn in world peace was pore projected unprece- dent Donald Trump’s equal As events and participants breaking in the tiny island- dented diplomatic brilliance in terms of domestic politi- unfolded in parallel to the state, accompanied by and a celebratory mood. cal power and authority. official channels, the Kore- breath-taking popular The strategic, military and Trump was directly elected an diaspora and American songs of hope and harmo- political substance of the and his office was the Pres- citizens worldwide were not ny. summit appears unim- idency, as specified in the the only ones invested portant. American Constitution. emotionally in the summit. Foreign tourists, members There was little doubt about Trump’s already legendary of the Singaporean public, Still, the razzmatazz would that. outbursts on and his and food outlet owners have lost its glitter if not brusque exit from the G7 were equally regaled by the boosted by the “soft power” But the images for the summit in Canada the presence of renowned of comfort food and things DPRK’s propaganda needs weekend before shaped Trump imitator, Dennis that work. Many a journal- on their state-run television Twitter-sphere expectations Alan, and Kim imitator, ist expressed appreciation back home demanded even of more drama to come. Howard X. Both were spot- for the food, especially more. Chairman Kim had to Some of the hashtags com- ted on innumerable adver- those arriving after a long appear a world statesman pared Trump’s presence to tisements touting Singa- journey, and for the contin- at the signing table in the wrestling legend Hulk Ho- pore’s tourist attractions uous stream of coffee and Capella Hotel on Sentosa. gan, or Heavy Metal icon like the Merlion park and tea which energized them This explained the near- Def Leppard. promoting vending ma- when filing their reports. riotous jostling of both chine-retailed Chilli Crab sides’ security agents and Moreover, Dennis Rodman, No longer would 12 June meals. At popular Singapo- approved journalists, for the Kim Jong-Un’s basketball 2018 be about President rean mall, Bugis Junction, choicest photographic acolyte, called for a journey Trump and Chairman Kim both imitators conducted a spots near the table. of trust by both leaders, signing a declaration of light hearted pre-summit on wore a red cap emblazoned principles of agreement for This was of course aug- 9 June, ahead of the actual with ‘Make America Great bureaucrats to act upon; it mented by the early morn- meet. Again’ and shed tears be- was equally a memorable ing spectacle of the place- fore CNN coverage and Substance Does Not Mat- moment for the souvenir ment of US and DPRK social media. As if on cue, ter? hunter and the entertained. flags side by side signifying Rodman revealed he was It also did not seem to mat- the commencement of for- Finally, Trump’s production thanked by Trump’s White ter that some of this exhila- mal diplomatic contact be- team must surely take the House for supporting ration may be misplaced. ■ tween Washington and prize for producing the ulti- Trump’s brave gesture to- Pyongyang. The fact that mate ‘promotional video’, Alan Chong is Associate wards Pyongyang. All both Chairman Kim and themed ‘Two Leaders, One Professor in the Centre of round, #peace, #love, President Trump strode to Destiny’, contrasting imag- Multilateralism Studies, S. #HistoricalSummit, and the middle of the panel of es of nuclear missiles, star- Rajaratnam School of Inter- #Singapore were an- flags to shake hands vation, destitution and de- national Studies (RSIS), nounced on Rodman’s own spelled out a great deal of struction against construc- Nanyang Technological tweets. state-to-state equality be- tion cranes, beaches with University (NTU), Singa- tween the two nuclear pow- Even the fact that the State resort potential and two pore. This is part of a series ers. Such a picture was Department committed leaders walking into the on the Trump-Kim Summit truly worth a thousand a faux pas by initially plac- sunrise of history. held on 12 June 2018 in words. ing Singapore in Malaysia, Singapore. In several quick strokes, added to Singapore’s un- Social Media Summit for the images circulated fast precedented positive expo- All and scintillating through the sure worldwide. Coverage social media sphere trans-

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Issue 28 | July 2018

RSIS-WTO Parliamentarian Workshop 2018

Participants at the RSIS-WTO Parliamentarian Workshop 2018. Pan Pacific Hotel, with Head of CMS, Professor Ralf Emmers as moderator

The ninth edition of the larly in the previously trade Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin, of chance to ask pertinent RSIS-WTO Parliamentari- liberal Western econo- the Singaporean Parlia- questions at the same an Workshop was held mies. The Trump admin- ment, spoke of the im- time. from 7-9 May at Pan Pacif- istration’s behaviour high- portance of the continua- ic, Singapore. The work- lights how some parties tion of the multilateral trad- The workshop allowed the shop, which is part of the have turned their back on ing system to Singapore representatives of the invit- Temasek Foundation Se- economic globalisation, and the ASEAN region. ed nations to learn more ries on Trade & Negotia- with worrying protection- The workshop gave the about how their respective tions and jointly organised ism a real risk. The WTO parliamentarians opportu- nations could benefit from by the Centre for Multilat- maintains that a rules nities to hear from industry greater free trade and eralism Studies and the based multilateral ap- experts as well as repre- what they could do reignite World Trade Organisation, proach to world trade is sentatives from the WTO momentum into the global invited parliamentarians beneficial to all parties and such as Said El Hachimi, trade system. The three from across Asia Pacific it is worthwhile to continue Director of Information & day event also included region, as well as Central efforts in strengthening the External Relations Divi- field trips to the PSA Port Asia, to build on their system to work better in sion. Topics such as the of Singapore, to discover knowledge of the multilat- the modern economy. The future of fisheries subsi- how Singapore maintains eral trading system. workshop allowed the par- dies and the Information such an efficient tranship- liamentarians to discover Technology Agreement ment industry, as well as a The multilateral trading how they could positively (ITA) allowed the partici- tour of Singapore’s Parlia- system is seemingly under represent their constitu- pants to be updated on the ment building.  threat by the rise of eco- ents as efficiently as possi- developments within the nomic nationalism, particu- ble. WTO and gave them a

Pakistani Parliamentarian addresses a question to the Panel Page 4

Issue 28 | July 2018

RSIS Seminar Series on Multilateralism Studies: : “Population Prospects and Profitability of Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail”

ble as the JR Tokai route. However if ASEAN achieved greater regional integration that allowed greater movement of peo- ple, then the estimated growth of major cities such as KL following the rank- size rule, might allow the KL-SG High-speed Rail to Presenters Dr Akio Tanahashi (R), Dr Tomoo Kikuchi (C), and Moderator Pradumna Rana (L) at the become more profitable. Keypoint RSIS The key indicator to moni- tor therefore, according to On June 21 the Centre for pur-Singapore High- explored whether, if com- Dr Kikuchi and Mr Multilateralism Studies, Speed Rail” and gave their pleted, the route would be Tanahashi, if the project is RSIS, hosted Dr Tomoo opinion as to whether it able to be a profitable pro- to be a success, is the Kikuchi, Visiting Senior was a feasible project ject. population density of the Fellow at RSIS and Mr monetarily. cities along the route. The study looked to com- Akio Tanahashi, Visiting The High-Speed Rail is a pare the prospective line It was noted, however, Scholar at the Lee Kuan topic of much controversy to the JR Tokai Tokyo- that whatever the feasibil- Yew School of Public Poli- and most recently, newly Osaka High Speed rail, ity of the project might be. cy and a Civil Engineer for returning Malaysian Prime which is one of the most The politics of the project the Urban Renaissance will be the driving force Minister Mahathir has cast profitable railway routes in Agency, Japan. behind whether the KL-SG serious doubts as to the world. Taking into ac- HSR will become a reality They presented their find- whether Malaysia will count the projected popu- or not.  ings of their paper commit to the project or lation and demographic “Population Prospects and not. The study by Dr Kiku- profile in 2030, the line Profitability of Kuala Lum- chi and Mr Tanahashi, would not prove as profita-

Consultation on a Rules-Based ASEAN: Process of Forging Legal Instru- ments On 16 and 17 May, the ASEAN agreements are pertaining to the ground- the ASEAN framework. “Consultation on a Rules- developed, negotiated, and work necessary for suc- Based ASEAN: Legal In- implemented. The papers cessful treaty conclusion RSIS Executive Deputy struments and their Imple- and discussions provided and implementation. Ms Chairman Ambassador mentation” was held at the greater clarity on how legal Faith De Los Reyes from Ong Keng Yong concluded Grand Copthorne Water- instruments might be intro- the ASEAN-US PRO- the programme by reiterat- front Hotel in Singapore. It duced and implemented GRESS spoke about fac- ing the need for a rules- was organized by the Cen- within the ASEAN frame- tors and practices that im- based ASEAN and tre for Multilateralism Stud- work. prove negotiation and ef- thanked the organisers for ies (CMS) of S. Raja- fectiveness in other inter- a fruitful series of Consul- ratnam School of Interna- Several experts, including national organisations and tations.  tional Studies (RSIS), to- those from academia, law, how these might apply to gether with USAID, Ger- and international organisa- man Cooperation, GIZ, tions, came together to and the ASEAN Secretari- discuss how the processes at. by which legal instruments and agreements are made The two-day workshop is a might be improved. For follow-on activity to the example, Dr Krajiakr 2017 Consultation on a Thiratayakinant, First Sec- Rules-Based ASEAN retary at the Permanent event. The 2018 Consulta- Mission of Thailand to tion generated short re- ASEAN, spoke about the search papers ensued by good practices among Amb Ong Keng Yong representing RSIS at the Consultation on a discussions on how ASEAN member states Rules –based ASEAN

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Issue 28 | July 2018 Upcoming Event: Panel Discussion on “European Security Strategy at a Crossroad: A stronger Europe in a fragile world?” and Launch of Book on “EU Security Strategies”

RSIS and the EU Centre will be moderated by Pro- is still a responsible and pore, Dr Reuben Wong, are will be cohosting a fessor Ralf Emmers, Head valuable ally. Could this Professor at NUS, and Am- panel discussion on of the Centre for Multilater- lead to closer cooperation bassador Barbara Plinkert, “European Security Strat- alism Studies, RSIS. with their Asian partners, Head of the EU Delegation egy at a Crossroad: A including ASEAN? in Singapore, make up the stronger Europe in a frag- The panel discussion will esteemed panel. ile world?” and Launch of consider the future status These questions will be a new book on “EU Secu- of the European Union answered by a panel of Registration details can be rity Strategies” on within international securi- distinguished experts. Dr found here.  Wednesday 1 August, ty. At a time when US glob- Spyros Economides, Asso- (3pm—5pm). It will be al leadership is seriously in ciate Professor at the Lon- held at NTU @ One doubt, how should the Eu- don School of Economics, North, and the session ropean Union respond to Dr Yeo Lay Hwee, Director reassure its partners that it of the EU Centre, Singa-

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

Trump -Kim Summit: A Inching For A Trade War: Global Shocks and the East Asian Financial Tale of Two Endings Worst is Yet to Come New Global and Regional Safety Net: The Problem Alan Chong & Ong-Webb Kaewkamol Pitakdumrong- Financial Architecture: of Leadership RSIS Commentaries kit Asian Perspectives Kaewkamol Pitakdumrong- 22 June 2018 RSIS Commentaries Pradumna B. Rana, kit 14 June 2018 Naoyuki Yoshino & Peter RSIS Commentaries Trump-Kim Summit: The Morgan 09 April 2018 Razzmatazz of Public Pre-Summit Posturing: ADB Books Diplomacy The Trump-Kim Manoeu- 21 May 2018 Rising Protectionism in Alan Chong vres US: Asia-Pacific’s Re- RSIS Commentaries Alan Chong & Ong-Webb Can’t we do away with sponse 20 June 2018 RSIS Commentaries ‘political tribalism’ Pradumna B. Rana & 31 May 2018 J. Soedradad Djiwandone, Xianbai Ji Trump’s Trade War: How Independent Observer RSIS Commentaries should Asia Respond? Seeing Through The Fog 03 May 2018 03 April 2018 Pradumna B. Rana of Trade War RSIS Commentaries Evan Rogerson Oil and Terrorism: Un- Brexit: A Long Way to 19 June 2018 RSIS Commentaries covering the Mecha- Go 30 May 2018 nisms Aédan Mordecai Lee Chia-Yi RSIS Commentaries Journal of Conflict Resolu- 02 April 2018 tion 01 May 2018

The Centre for Multilateralism Studies (CMS) is a research Multilateral Matters is the quarterly publication of the Centre for entity within the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Multilateralism Studies (CMS), analysing the most recent develop- Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. The CMS team ments regarding multilateralism by our team. It covers articles on conducts cutting-edge research, teaching/training and networking relevant economic and political issues as well as programmes and latest publications from the research centre. The objective of the on cooperative multilateralism in the Asia Pacific region. The Cen- newsletter is to promote the research being done by our centre, tre aims to contribute to international academic and public dis- raising awareness of the many events that we hold on a regular courses on regional architecture and order in the Asia Pacific. It basis. aspires to be an international knowledge hub for multilateral coop- eration and regional integration.

Nanyang Technological University Block S4, Level B4, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798 Tel: + 65 6790 6982 | Fax: +65 6794 0617 | www.rsis.edu.sg

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