The Cost of Trust: From Cambodia to Ukraine

Some time ago, I posted a review here of a book by Professor Kishore Mahbubani, an experienced Singaporean diplomat. In it, he shared memories from his diplomatic career, and one story particularly stuck with me. I think about it often, especially in light of recent events—the war in Ukraine and the decisions made by global powers, including the current U.S. administration.


This story carries a lesson worth considering—not just for our politicians, but for us, citizens of smaller countries. Mahbubani recalls his mission in Cambodia in the 1970s, during the civil war. The Khmer Rouge were fighting for power, while their opponents received support from the United States. When the conflict became unwinnable, the U.S. decided further involvement was futile and gradually withdrew. Their allies, like Sisowath Sirik Matak, found themselves in a difficult position.


Sirik Matak, a prominent politician and member of the Cambodian royal family, wrote to the U.S. ambassador ...