Is internationalism innovation?
By: Moreno Bursese
Tags: International Relations, Singapore, Change, Innovation, Food

Internationalism does not find its only form of expression with great knowledge of multiple languages or the distressed exploration of tens of different nations. It is a cosmopolitan attitude, or even a quality, that allows one to understand other cultures, other ways of thinking and boosts one’s mind to being innovative. Cross-cultural knowledge is often disregarded as it is not thought to be so important to cause any harm to politics, business or economics. How many times have we seen mis-conceptualised ideas or notions that have resulted in a bad understanding of the matter and not only did it lead to a non-resolution of a problem, but it may have even generated a new one? The mis-translation of political or royal titles is due to the lack of care with respect to the importance of the specific denomination’s meaning brings with from the source language/culture. It is not sufficient to know another country’s language to overcome cross-cultural issues, which can cause problems to the completion of very important activities. Internationalism is guided by fundamental values that affect decision-making processes, which is the exact reason why values can be trusted, followed and are considered meaningful. Internationalism requires a high level of integrity and honesty with a serious level of dedication to duty.

New cultures and connections are of relevant importance to an internationalist who repeatedly tries to achieve them through international exchanges, business trips or general travelling. Exploring the world is key and it is what keeps the global society moving forward. Boredom is a very bad enemy to internationalists that they fight with inspiration, collaboration, and with strategic influence to have an impact on the world’s future.

Such qualified adventurers like the unknown, and this is why they continuously seek situations that can be uncomfortable for many, but can create new networks and connections with others. The absorption as well as the understanding of new cultural customs is what provokes the curiosity of the internationalist so much to make it the first pillar their temper lies on.

Singapore is an example of a vibrant and international city that built its power on its multicultural origins and influences. Singaporeans are very conscious of that, and they used this layer to create a flourishing urban area with amazing modern architecture and a strong international economy based on exchange and technology. Food in Singapore is the very expression of these many influences too. It is just another example of how the exchange of ideas, which should be defined as cultures in this specific instance, can be an excellent starting point for success and peace. Singaporean cuisine has influences coming from different parts of Asia such as Indonesia and China but also European influence from the British former coloniser. It may sound incredible, but a nation’s cuisine represents more than fresh produce. It brings history, politics, culture, habits and taste with itself, hence why the importance of showing respect towards a new food by eating it in the right way or calling it the correct way. This doing, is an indirect demonstration of respect for someone else’s history and identity.

On the other hand, conservatism can be deleterious for new ideas and it can put at serious risk any attempt of creating something original on behalf of the fact that it can replace what is well established and long lasting. Tradition is something good that must be maintained as well as safeguarded but it does not have to hamper innovation. An international view is always glancing at the future made of prospective events shaped by peace and modernisation. Innovation comes from a need to resolve a dilemma or a dispute that is affecting a large number of people. Resolving problems needs ideas that come from different perspectives. When ideas get together from the same place to create a solution, the solution is always the same. When ideas get together from different places to create a solution, a new way of doing things is born and innovation happens.