October 13, 2026

How can small states turn religion, heritage, and cultural networks into diplomatic influence? In “When Small States Practice Buddhist Diplomacy” (The Diplomat, 5 August 2026), Associate Professor Jack Meng-Tat Chia (NUS History) examines how Bhutan and Singapore practise Buddhist diplomacy in ways that differ from the Great Power strategies of China and India.

Chia points out that Buddhism has become an increasingly visible part of Asian diplomacy. China has promoted itself as a centre of Mahayana Buddhist civilization, while India has drawn on its status as the birthplace of Buddhism through pilgrimage circuits, Buddhist conferences, and the lending of sacred relics abroad. Chia argues, however, that focusing only on these two powers misses how smaller states also use Buddhist heritage and networks to build influence.

Bhutan’s Buddhist diplomacy is closely tied to its identity as a Vajrayana Buddhist kingdom. Buddhist values are embedded in its monarchy, national identity, and development philosophy, especially through the nation’s concept  of Gross National Happiness. For Bhutan, Buddhism is not only cultural heritage but also a way of asserting distinctiveness and sovereignty as a small state located between India and China.

The article highlights Bhutan’s growing ties with Thailand, another Buddhist monarchy, through recent royal exchanges and shared religious symbolism. These relationships allow Bhutan to deepen partnerships beyond its immediate geopolitical neighbourhood. Chia also points to the Gelephu Mindfulness City project, where Bhutan is turning ideas of mindfulness, sustainability, and well-being into a national brand for attracting global investment and talent.

Singapore offers a very different model. As a secular and multireligious republic, it does not base diplomacy on Buddhist identity. Instead, Buddhism becomes one cultural resource among many, allowing Singapore to act as a connector between governments, religious communities, scholars, museums, and cultural institutions.

Chia discusses figures such as the late Venerable Hong Choon, whose Buddhist networks linked Singapore to Thailand and China, as well as former Foreign Minister George Yeo, who supported the revival of Nalanda University as part of a broader vision of Asian civilizational exchange. Singapore’s museums also play a role, using Buddhist material culture and exhibitions, such as the upcoming Dunhuang exhibition at the Asian Civilisations Museum, to foster regional cultural ties.

By comparing Bhutan and Singapore, Chia shows that small-state Buddhist diplomacy has no single form. In Bhutan, Buddhism is central to state identity and monarchy. In Singapore, it functions more flexibly as part of cultural diplomacy and regional bridge-building.

Read the article here.