Kuala Lampur, April 15 -- In an increasingly complex world defined by geopolitical rivalry and economic warfare, the question of how smaller or mid-sized nations can navigate the pressures of great powers is more relevant than ever. Yet this dilemma is far from new. A look into South-east Asia's past reveals that ancient Malay kingdoms had long employed sophisticated strategies - diplomacy when possible, warfare when necessary - to survive and thrive amid shifting regional and global power dynamics.

As maritime trading polities, kingdoms such as Srivijaya, Melaka, Aceh, Johor-Riau, and Patani sat at the crossroads of commerce between East and West. This geographic advantage made them natural players in international relations, often enga...