Yulong Dai
vol. VIII(1)
Pages 76-89
Abstract: In May 2008, the International Court of Justice announced the
decision of the case concerning disputes over the sovereignty of Pedra
Branca, Middle Rocks and South Ledge. The two disputed islands,
Pedra Branca and South Ledge, were respectively awarded to Singapore
and Malaysia while South Ledge remained undecided. Singapore’s size
is comparatively tinier than Malaysia. Its winning of sovereignty over
Pedra Branca has manifested a possibility of how a smaller and weaker
country could peacefully acquire a disputed territory from its stronger
opponent while maintaining amicable relations with it. Singapore has
reached the maximization of its interest though it was not awarded all
the disputed islets by the Court. This article aims to examine these four
strategies adopted by Singapore and the dynamics of how they helped
promote Singapore’s success.
Keywords: Strategy, Territorial Acquisition, Pedra Branca Dispute
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