In a commentary regarding Singapore's foreign policy, former Foreign Ministry Permanent Secretary Bilahari Kausikan outlined the foundations of one of the world's most successful small states. He emphasized that while Singapore has defined relationships with both China in economic matters and the United States in security, it strives to maintain a flexible and pragmatic approach in other areas. This diplomatic balancing act illustrates the complexities nations face in navigating international relations where multiple powers have competing interests.

Kausikan's description serves to depict how Singapore manages its interactions with global superpowers, acknowledging a formal non-alignment yet realizing that practically, it must cater to the demands and pressures exerted by both China and the USA. The key challenge arises from the U.S.'s desire for Singapore to support its stance across all domains while simultaneously contending with China's expectations of Singapore as a close ally in various fields.

Translating this discussion to Estonia's context raises questions about how the country can develop its own foreign policy in a similar 'loose waistband' manner, allowing for adaptive and flexible engagements without becoming overly committed to one side in the joint geopolitical chess game. Considering the current tensions and dynamics in global politics, such a diplomatic approach could offer a viable path for small nations like Estonia to navigate their international relationships effectively, though the execution remains a considerable challenge.